This project is part of a larger, federally-mandated program to reduce sewage overflows during rainstorms. This project will provide updated infrastructure that will help ensure HRSD’s ability to protect public health and the environment for decades to come.

We look at several routes/sites to determine what meets HRSD’s needs of availability, price, location of the site to the existing pump station, property agreement terms, ease of access to the property for construction and future maintenance. Proximity to HRSD’s existing sewer pipe and the hydraulic benefit provided by the facility limited the potential sites.

No. While the offline storage facility is being designed and built to handle increased flow during routine wet weather events, its primary role is not intended to collect or treat stormwater. The facility is not sized to prevent all sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) when named storm events (tropical depressions, tropical storms, hurricanes, etc.) or lengthy nor’easters occur. HRSD’s sanitary sewer treatment system operates separately from the City’s stormwater collection system.

The proposed facility is very safe, with over 10,000 similar facilities constructed over the last 70 years. The facility will be monitored and controlled remotely to observe levels within it and to make sure that they are functioning as designed. HRSD will perform routine internal inspections of the facility to verify its condition, and maintenance will be scheduled based upon these inspections.

The storage facility should not create odor issues. The storage facility will be covered, and HRSD will install an odor collection and abatement system to treat the air in the tanks. Similar technologies have been proven effective with other HRSD pump stations, wastewater treatment plants, and other odor related facilities.

Disruptions to traffic will be minimized, and in most cases, a single lane of traffic will be maintained. No planned detours are anticipated, but flagging will be used to help direct traffic as needed. The majority of the project work will be located on the site with a shorter duration impact on the public right-of ways.

The contractor will ensure that access to residences and at least one entrance to businesses will be maintained throughout construction. Trash and mail services will not be affected. If necessary, the contractor will move trash containers from within a work zone to an area accessible for pickup and will be responsible for returning them to each residence.

Work will typically take place Monday through Friday during daylight hours (7 a.m. - 6 p.m.). However, there may be times when extended hours, work at night, or weekend work may be necessary. 

There should be no impact to existing water or sewer service.

The area along Wilroy Road where the new sewer pipe will be installed will be repaved upon completion of the work.

The typical construction noises such as equipment engines, back-up alarms, materials being delivered, diesel generators, air compressors, sawing, and associated activities should be anticipated.

The contractor will store the majority of material and equipment on site at 1941 Wilroy Road but may negotiate with a private property owner for an additional storage area in the project vicinity.

Construction workers will not be allowed to park their personal vehicles on the public streets. However, work trucks will be allowed to park within the active work zone.

The estimated cost for the project is approximately $53 million and is financed through HRSD Capital Improvement Program with Virginia Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund (VCWRLF) and by the wastewater treatment fees paid by HRSD customers.

Regular project updates are posted on the HRSD website at www.hrsd.com/construction-status. You may also sign up at www.hrsd.com/subscriptions to receive an email notification whenever the website has an update about the project.