Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Click on a question to display its answer, click again to hide its answer.
- What is the Westwood Northern Bundle project?
The Westwood Northern Bundle is a partial sewer separation project, which will significantly reduce the amount of combined sewage (sanitary sewage mixed with storm water) that overflows into nearby streams after wet weather. This is happening at three locations along the east side of Westwood Northern Boulevard, between Montana Avenue and North Bend Road.The Westwood Northern Bundle is a partial sewer separation project, which will significantly reduce the amount of combined sewage (sanitary sewage mixed with storm water) that overflows into nearby streams after wet weather. This is happening at three locations along the east side of Westwood Northern Boulevard, between Montana Avenue and North Bend Road. The Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati (MSD) is beginning the project design process now, and construction will begin in late 2012.
- What are you going to do?
MSD determined that the best way to reduce the Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) in this area is to redirect surface water runoff into a separate storm sewer that will be constructed roughly along the same alignment as the existing sewers. This is called a partial sewer separation and it will significantly reduce the amount of storm water flowing through the combined sewer system. This in turn, will significantly reduce the volume of sewer overflows in the area.
- Which streets will you be working on?
We are still in the project design process and have not yet finalized what we will be doing and where. However, we have identified the general project area and this includes the following streets:
- Alpine Pl.
- Feltz Ave.
- Montclair Ave.
- Augusta Ave.
- Hazelwood Ave.
- North Bend Rd.
- Boudinot Ave.
- High Point Ave.
- Phoenix Ave.
- Bruestle Ave.
- Homelawn Ave.
- Puhlman Ave.
- Camvic Terr.
- Hull Ave.
- Temple Ave.
- Dickinson Connector Lucas Rd.
- Van Zandt Ln.
- Dickinson Rd.
- Mcfarlan Park Dr.
- Wardall Ave.
- Fearman Ave.
- Mcfarlan Rd.
- Westwood Northern Blvd.
- Why is this project necessary?
During wet weather - such as after rainstorms or snow melts - the combined sewer system that services your neighborhood is sometimes overwhelmed by storm water. When this happens, any excess wastewater (sanitary sewage mixed with storm water) is released into nearby streams and creeks to ease pressure on the sewer system and prevent backups into homes and businesses. This was once an accepted method for managing excess wastewater in cities across the nation. It isn't anymore. Today, MSD is focused on reducing and, when possible, eliminating sewer overflows into our environment.
- How will this project affect me?
While construction of this nature can sometimes be disruptive, it's MSD's goal to minimize inconvenience to residents as much as possible. We plan to keep our work in the public right-of-way, which runs along streets and sidewalks, as much as possible. Work in these areas is likely to require lane closures, but local traffic will be maintained.
In some cases, it will be necessary to work on private property. Much of this will take place along existing easements. In other cases, we will need to work with property owners to obtain new easements. Once final alignments are determined, MSD will contact and meet with affected property owners to ensure they are well informed about the project and how their properties will be impacted, familiarize them with the easement process, and answer their questions and concerns. All affected properties will be left in equal or better condition than before construction began.
- Are you planning on digging up my yard?
We are currently developing the design for this project and do not yet know the final construction alignments. Whenever possible, we are going to keep construction within the public right-of-way, which runs along streets and sidewalks. Should it be necessary to work on private property, we will try to work along existing easements. In other cases, we will need to work with property owners to obtain new easements. In those situations, we will work closely with affected property owners to ensure they are well informed about the project and how their properties will be impacted, familiarize them with the easement process, and answer their questions and concerns.
- When will construction begin?
Construction is currently scheduled to begin in late 2012. All work will be completed by 2017.
- How long will construction take?
Construction will begin in late 2012 and be completed in 2017. This does not mean, however, that we will be working on your street for five years. We will be moving from street to street throughout the project and the construction zones will shift as the project progresses. More detailed information about the construction phase and schedule will be available as we get further along in the design process.
- What is a combined sewer? A sanitary sewer?
A combined sewer collects and transports both sanitary sewage and storm water through the sewer system. A sanitary sewer is a sewer that collects and transports only sanitary sewage.
- What is a Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO)?
A CSO is a discharge of combined sewage mixed with storm water that overflows from a sewer into local streams and rivers. Overflows occur when there is too much wastewater for the sewer system, pump station, or treatment plants to handle, such as after heavy rainstorms. To relieve pressure in the system and minimize backups into homes and businesses, excess wastewater is discharged into local waterways.
- What does "partial sewer separation" mean?
A partial sewer separation involves splitting a combined sewer (which collects and transports both sanitary sewage and storm water) into two separate lines-one dedicated primarily to sanitary sewage and the other dedicated to storm water. Surface water - runoff from streets, parking lots and driveways - that previously flowed into the combined sewer is then redirected into the storm sewer.
- What else is MSD doing to fix overflow issues?
MSD's Project Groundwork program, one of the largest public works efforts in our local history, is comprised of hundreds of projects designed to reduce, and when possible, eliminate sewer overflows, as well as accomplish a number of other goals including reduce sewer debris and odors in local streams and surrounding areas and eliminate sewage backups into basements caused by MSD's sewer system.
Estimated at more than $3 billion over the next 25 years, the Project Groundwork program includes construction of new sewers; sewer separation projects; pump station and treatment plant upgrades, replacements or new construction; construction of enhanced high rate treatment facilities and new storage facilities; and a number of "green" and sustainable projects designed to keep storm water out of the sewer system. See www.projectgroundwork.org for more information.
