Northeast Boundary Tunnel Project
February 24, 2018 Workshop Presentation- February 24, 2018 Workshop Boards: Schedule, Impacts-- 4th St, Rhode Island Ave, Mt Olivet Rd, and W St Work Areas
- February 24, 2018 Workshop Boards: Haul Routes-- 4th St, Rhode Island Ave, Mt Olivet Rd, and W St Work Areas
- February 10, 2018 Workshop Presentation
- February 10, 2018 Workshop Boards: Schedule, Impacts-- R St, Florida Ave, T St, and Pump Station Work Areas
- February 10, 2018 Workshop Boards: Haul Routes-- R St, Florida Ave, T St, and Pump Station Work Areas
- February 10, 2018 Workshop Boards: First Street Pumping Station Work Area
- September 12, 2017 Display Boards: R Street NW Area Block Meeting
- September 14, 2017 Display Boards: Florida Avenue NW Area Block Meeting
- September 19, 2017 Display Boards: T Street NW Area Block Meeting
- September 21, 2017 Display Boards: 4th Street NE Area Block Meeting
- September 26, 2017 Display Boards: Rhode Island Avenue NE Area Block Meeting
- September 27, 2017 Display Boards: Mount Olivet Road NE Area Block Meeting
- September 28, 2017 Display Boards: W Street NE Area Block Meeting
- Northeast Boundary Tunnel Project Map
- Finding of No Significant Impact
- Environmental Assessment (Part 1 of 3)
- Environmental Assessment (Part 2 of 3)
- Environmental Assessment (Part 3 of 3)
Overview
The proposed Northeast Boundary Tunnel (NEBT) is a large, deep, sewer tunnel that will increase the capacity of the existing sewer system in the District, significantly mitigating sewer flooding and improving the water quality of the Anacostia River. The NEBT is the largest component of the Clean Rivers Project and will start just south of the RFK Stadium and extend north to Rhode Island Avenue and west to R Street NW. In addition to the tunnel, DC Water will be constructing diversion facilities along the tunnel alignment to capture flows from the existing sewer system and divert them to the tunnel. The NEBT will connect with the First Street Tunnel and Anacostia River Tunnel to provide a complete gravity system from Northwest DC to Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant, where all flows captured by the tunnel system will be delivered for treatment prior to discharge to the Potomac River.Overview
Completion of the NEBT in 2023 will fulfill new facility construction on the Anacostia River required by DC Water’s Consent Decree. Once the NEBT is connected to the other Clean Rivers tunnels, combined sewer overflows to the Anacostia River will be reduced by 98 percent. In addition to controlling combined sewer overflows, the construction of the Northeast Boundary Tunnel will reduce the chance of flooding in the areas it serves from approximately 50 to 7 percent in any given year.
Why is the Tunnel Needed?
The tunnel will address chronic sewer flooding that has been occurring since the 1900's. The flooding is a result of an undersized sewer system that was further exacerbated by development in the District. Currently, there is a 50% chance that flooding could occur in any given year and there are six areas that are plagued by chronic flooding. This project will significantly mitigate the chance of flooding and provide a system capable of handling a 15-year storm in the areas it serves. See the "Magnitude of the Problem" figure below that illustrates the chronic sewer flooding areas.
Scope of Work
- Installation of 27,000 foot long, 23 foot diameter reinforced concrete tunnel
- Tunnel approximately 50 to 160 feet deep
- Construction of diversion facilities sited near chronic flood areas to relieve the existing sewer system and divert combined sewer flows to the NEBT
- Ventilation control facilities to regulate air flow in the tunnel system
Schedule
| Item | Date |
|---|---|
| Design | Completed in June 2016 |
| Construction Start | September 2017 |
| Construction Finish | August 2023 |
Partners
DC Water is working closely with multiple stakeholders, including residents, Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, District Department of Transportation, District Department of Public Works, District Department of Energy and Environment, District Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, CSX, Amtrak, District Department of General Services, DC Sports and Entertainment Commission, National Park Service, and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.
Project Location Map
Public Engagement
The Northeast Boundary Tunnel Public Engagement Team understands that building and maintaining a strong relationship with public support is an integral part of executing a successful project. Over the next few months, we will continue to engage the Communities, Residents, Business Owners, ANC's, Civic Associations, District Agencies, Churches, Organizations and Special Groups. DC Water's Clean Rivers is committed to identifying and listening to the community needs and concerns while sharing the project purpose, scope, and benefits. Dates and times of the anticipated outreach sessions will be posted for your convenience. Thank you for your interest in the project, we look forward to sharing additional information soon.
