DC Water’s newest tunnel boring machine (TBM) has arrived and will soon begin mining a 26’-diameter tunnel. This tunnel, along and under the Anacostia River, will connect to the tunnel being mined by its sister TBM, “Lady Bird,” who began the process in July 2013.

Join DC Water staff and guests as the TBM is christened, and its name revealed, before it is lowered 100 feet underground to begin its journey. Cardinal Donald Wuerl, the Archbishop of Washington, will say a blessing for the men and women working on the project and the TBM at the ceremony, which closely follows the Feast of St. Barbara, the patron saint of miners.

All together, the Anacostia River Tunnel is the largest construction project in the District since the Metro system was built. This is part of DC Water’s Clean Rivers Project to significantly reduce combined sewer overflows in the District for improved water quality. Find out the name of this TBM and see it above ground for the last time before it goes to work to provide relief to the Anacostia River.

Visuals include giant tunnel boring machine, blessing of the TBM and the workers by Cardinal Wuerl and a ceremonial christening with DC tap water. Also view the 100-foot deep shaft into which the TBM will be lowered.

Who:
- Ken Kopocis, Special Advisor, Office of Water, USEPA
- Cardinal Donald Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington
- Dennis Chestnut, Executive Director, Groundwork Anacostia River DC
- DC Water Board of Directors Chairman and City Administrator Allen Y. Lew
- DC Water General Manager George S. Hawkins

When: Friday, December 12, 2014 at 10:30 am

Where: 2500 Independence Avenue, SE, Washington, D.C. 20003
Robert F. Kennedy Stadium – Behind Media Lot 8

Members of the media please RSVP to Pamela.Mooring@dcwater.com. There will be limited parking for live feed trucks at the site.

Note: This event was rescheduled due to the memorial services for Councilmember and former DC Mayor Marion Barry.