Second of four high-priority repair projects is now complete

DC Water has completed the second of four critical repair projects on the Potomac Interceptor Sewer Line. Crews finished strengthening a 490-foot section of the pipe at Broad Run in Loudoun County today.

Work began in June after inspections found serious damage inside the 54-mile sewer line. Crews found corrosion, worn concrete and exposed steel supports. They repaired this 42-inch-wide section with a strong new lining using a concrete like material. Next a flexible liner was installed inside the pipe that was hardened in place to form a new pipe inside the existing one. Together, these repairs restored the pipe to like-new condition.

Broad Run is one of four locations that DC Water identified earlier this year for critical repairs. Work continues at Pennyfield Lock in Potomac, Maryland, and along Clara Barton Parkway near the Maryland-DC line. Last month, DC Water also completed repairs to a 600-foot section of ther Potomac Interceptor near Dulles International Airport.

Now that the pipe repairs are complete, DC Water will begin work to restore the Broad Run site.

Emergency repairs continue at the two remaining locations.

Pennyfield Lock

At Pennyfield Lock work is underway to prepare for the next phase of repairs. Crews are digging two large pits that will be used to place new pipe sections inside the existing pipe. Due to groundwater issues, crews are adding pumps and other safeguards to keep the pits dry. This work is taking longer than expected and may delay the start of pipe installation beyond September.

The possible schedule change is not expected to cause serious issues. The most critical section of pipe was repaired in late July. DC Water strengthened 175 feet of the sewer line where inspections found major corrosion and exposed steel supports. Crews added a new, stronger lining inside the pipe. This earlier repair helps protect the pipe while crews manage groundwater and prepare to repair the remainder of the 1,700 linear foot rehabilitation project.

Maryland-DC Line

Work also continues along Clara Barton Parkway near the Maryland-DC line. Crews have installed a temporary bypass pumping system, and it is now operating at the site. The system keeps wastewater flowing safely around the section under repair.

Crews are now adding a strong new lining inside the existing pipe. This will stabilize the pipe and allow crews to safely complete the permanent repair.

After the lining is complete, crews will prepare to place a new pipe inside the existing sewer line. The new pipe is designed to better resist corrosion, strengthen the sewer line and extend the life of the pipe for decades to come.

To do the work, sections of the pipe are open to pump the wastewater out and back into the pipe downstream. Another opening will be used to insert the new pipe section while wastewater continues to flow through the open sewer line. During this time, people may notice odors in the immediate area around the site. These odors, while unpleasant, do not pose a health risk. DC Water is working to add odor control measures to try and help reduce the smell.  

For more information about the Potomac Interceptor repairs, visit dcwater.com/potomacinterceptor.