Media Opportunity—Drop 110 feet below ground to view DC Water’s newest part of the Clean Rivers Project
 
Media are encouraged to join Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, Ward 3 Councilmember Mary Cheh, EPA Regional Administrator EPA Cecil Rodrigues, National Park Service Superintendent Tara Morrison, guests and the public to celebrate the start of the final chapter in DC Water’s cleaner Anacostia River project. The public festivities include naming and blessing the tunnel boring machine that will mine this final segment, which at $580 million is the largest project in DC Water history.
 
The Authority just opened the first Anacostia River tunnel segment and it is already overachieving—since March 20 it has prevented about 92 percent of combined sewer overflows (CSOs) from entering the Anacostia River. The total project is the largest construction project in the District since Metro was built. 
 
Visuals: Media are invited to a special opportunity at approximately 11:00 a.m. after remarks have concluded. Media will be lowered by crane into the drop shaft at the site, 110 feet down. They will see:

• The bulkhead connection to the tunnel overflow structure.
• The previously mined inter-shaft connector tunnel. Within this tunnel, which has already been placed into operation, a concrete bulkhead separates the north shaft from the south shaft.
• Preparation for launch of the Northeast Boundary Tunnel Boring Machine.

What:              Naming and Blessing of the Tunnel Boring Machine
Who:              
                       Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton
                       Ward 3 Councilmember Mary Cheh
                       EPA Regional Administrator Cecil Rodrigues
                       National Park Service Superintendent Tara Morrison
                       DC Water Board Chairman Tommy Wells
                       DC Water CEO and General Manager David Gadis                  
                       DC Water’s Clean Rivers Project Team
When:             Thursday, June 28, 2018. 
       Public celebration: 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Media opportunity after remarks.
Where:            2600 Independence Avenue SE
Parking available in RFK Stadium’s Lot 8-- Staff will direct guests to site.
Nearest Metro Station: Stadium-Armory is a ½ to ¾ mile walk to the site.
 
Media please RSVP to Pamela.Mooring@dcwater.com
Media parking available on-site. Please dress appropriately for an industrial site: long pants, long sleeves and closed-toe shoes. Proper Personal Protective Equipment (hard hat, vests, etc.) will be provided. Mandatory safety briefing prior to entry into tunnel shaft. Event will be held rain or shine.