JBAB Overflow and Diversion Structures Project

JBAB Overflow and Diversion Structures

Overview

The JBAB Overflow and Diversion Structures Project, located on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) military facility, included the construction of a tunnel overflow structure and diversion chamber. The diversion chamber diverts excess combined sewer flow to the Blue Plains Tunnel where it is stored and eventually treated at the Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant prior to discharge to the Potomac River. The overflow structure controls tunnel overflows to the Potomac River when its capacity is exceeded while providing solids and floatable control. The overflow structure has been architecturally designed to serve the dual purpose of providing a scenic overlook structure and providing views of the Potomac River and surrounding areas to JBAB personnel.

Scope of Work

  • Construction of a new diversion chamber to divert flow from the existing Potomac Outfall Sewers to the Blue Plains Tunnel
  • Construction of a new overflow structure to relieve the Blue Plains Tunnel to the Potomac River when its design capacity is exceeded
  • Installation of new hydraulic internals within the existing shaft constructed on the Blue Plains Tunnel
  • Demolition of an existing combined sewer overflow, abandonment of its outfall pipe, and restoration of the shoreline
  • Commissioning of Clean Rivers system south of RFK Stadium

Partners

DC Water worked closely with multiple stakeholders to provide timely information about the project, to solicit input, and to ease the burdens of construction. These stakeholders included affected residents, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, US Army Corps of Engineers, District Department of Transportation, National Park Service and the District Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development. DC Water also coordinated with Advisory Neighborhood Commissions to provide regular updates.

 

clean river
Clean Rivers

The Clean Rivers Project is DC Water's ongoing program to reduce combined sewer overflows into the District's waterways - the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers and Rock Creek. The Project is a massive infrastructure and support program designed to capture and clean water during heavy rainfalls before it ever reaches our rivers.

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Christening of TBM Emily with DC Water Interim General Manager Matt Brown holding bottle of tap water to christen Emily
DC Water Welcomes the Community Underground to See the Potomac River Tunnel and Christens Tunnel Boring Machine Emily

DC Water celebrated the christening of Emily today. It’s the second giant tunnel boring machine (TBM) that will help build the 5.5-mile Potomac River Tunnel. The celebration continued with Community Day. Residents and families met Emily and stepped inside the tunnel where she will soon begin digging.

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Upcoming Meeting
Date
October 8, 2026
Thursday, 9:30 AM

Upcoming Events

Customer Service Center Announcement

Payment Plan Incentive: provides a credit back of 50% of the last 3 payments made. Eligible participants are residential customers who have had an outstanding balance for 60 days or greater and with an outstanding balance of $500 or more.