FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Liz Kalinowski or
Chuck Brown
301-206-8185 or 8188

SLEUTHS START STUDY OF SEAT PLEASANT SEWERS

LAUREL, MD (July 12, 2004) – Using the latest Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, smoke testing, digital video equipment and sewer-crawling video cameras, the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) will launch a massive study this summer to analyze the Beaverdam Branch sewer basin. The equipment will enable WSSC to capture data on rainfall, wastewater flows, the conditions of pipes and manholes and areas where sewer mains have become exposed due to erosion in creeks and streambeds. Investigators also will review growth patterns to develop plans to meet future wastewater needs. The study will start in early August.

"This comprehensive study will enable us to take stock of our underground infrastructure in this basin," said WSSC General Manager John R. Griffin. "Armed with this data, we can protect the environment and public health by rapidly making any necessary repairs to the sewer system."

The Beaverdam Branch sewer basin follows the Beaverdam Creek watershed in northern Prince George's County and handles wastewater flows from portions of the Seat Pleasant, Landover and Capitol Heights communities. Beaverdam Creek is a tributary of the Anacostia River. The basin contains more than 180 miles of sewer mains ranging from 6 to 66 inches in diameter and is one of 29 major sewer basins in the WSSC service area.

WSSC's sewer system is a modern sanitary, or separate, system - meaning the pipes that carry sewage from homes and businesses to wastewater treatment plants are separate from the storm water drainage system. The Beaverdam Branch sewer basin transports approximately 8 million gallons of sewage per day to the Blue Plains Wastewater Treatment Plant in Washington, D.C.

WSSC will notify customers prior to work in their neighborhoods - especially work involving smoke testing. Harmless smoke is used to isolate improper connections to the sewer system and defects in pipes. Additionally, some of the wastewater flow monitoring will take place at night.

Due to the seasonal nature of the work, the investigation will take approximately 3 years to complete. The $2.9 million contract was awarded to View Engineering of Gaithersburg, MD and includes 39 percent minority business participation from the following firms: REI/Drayco; Straughan Environmental; and Navarro & Wright.

WSSC is among the 10 largest water and wastewater utilities in the nation, serving 1.6 million customers in Prince George's and Montgomery counties. To report water or sewer emergency, customers may call WSSC's 24-hour Emergency Response number at (301) 206-4002.

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