Technical Challenges and Community Acceptance in Designing One of North Carolina's Largest Sewers

Authors: Kennedy, Laurin B.; Jones, George; Payne, Jeffrey F.

Source: Water Practice, Volume 1, Number 6, December 2007 , pp. 1-10(10)

Publisher: Water Environment Federation

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Abstract:

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities (Utilities) currently operates five wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) with a combined wastewater treatment capacity of 118 mgd. The existing Briar Creek trunk sewer was constructed of vitrified clay pipe (VCP) in the late 1920s, and the condition and capacity of the existing sewer does not provide the level of service required by Utilities, new state laws, and EPA. When the proposed design of the new relief sewer was introduced to the public, there was significant public opposition. Because of the vocal public opposition and concern over the project, a proactive public communication and outreach program was developed that gave property owners multiple opportunities to provide input. As a result, the route was realigned to reduce impacts to residential properties by 50%. As a result of the proactive public communications program, public opposition was significantly reduced, and all of the 63 easements for the project have been acquired.

Keywords: RELIEF SEWER; SANITARY SEWER OVERFLOWS; COMMUNITY ACCEPTANCE; DESIGN CHALLENGES

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.2175/193317707X269681

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