Beginning Summer 2026, residents of the Org. for Community Preservation neighborhood will see construction begin on a sewer separation project. This project is part of a broader initiative mandated by the Unified Government’s Consent Decree with the U.S Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Justice. This decree, part of compliance with the Clean Water Act of 1972, aims to mitigate sewer overflows into local waterways, including Jersey Creek, by separating combined sewer systems. This project – Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) 14 Sewer Separation – is the fourth of fourteen planned separation projects that will improve water quality, reduce overflows, and protect the community and environment. Scheduled for completion by December 2027, the project will include the installation of new sanitary and storm sewer lines. The separation will reduce the amount of stormwater entering the sewer system which flows to the Kaw Point Wastewater Treatment Facility, thereby reducing the volume of water treated and cutting down on treatment costs. It also aims to decrease sewer overflows and backups that can lead to health risks and environmental issues. Construction will occur in the area bounded by 12th Street on the east, 18th Street on the west, Quindaro Boulevard on the north, and Parallel Parkway on the south. The scope of work involves installing roughly 10,200 feet of new storm sewer piping and manholes, and curb inlets for street runoff, alongside a stormwater treatment system to remove trash from the separated stormwater before it discharges into Jersey Creek. The work also includes a roughly 700 feet of new sanitary sewer piping and manholes. This sewer separation project is valued at about $15.8 million and is funded through sewer user fees and a State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan administered by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). The Public Works Department is eager to oversee this crucial infrastructure upgrade, which not only fulfills the requirements of the Clean Water Act but also enhances the sustainability and reliability of the community's sewer system. For those interested in contributing to this vital community service, consider a career with the Public Works Department. More information is available at Public Works Careers. Frequently Asked Questions
This project is part of the Sewer Investment Program under an agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Justice and is the fourth of several sewer separation projects to be constructed in the Jersey Creek Drainage Basin. This project will provide a more reliable, sustainable sewer system, and meet Clean Water Act regulatory requirements for a cleaner environment.
This project will be funded using sewer user fees and a State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan administered by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).
Construction will begin in Summer 2026 and is anticipated to be complete by Winter 2027, weather permitting.
Yes, as traffic control plans for road and lane closures are received by the contractor, anticipated traffic impacts and schedules will be posted here. Please pay close attention to local on-street construction signage.
The sewers are being separated to reduce sewer overflows and to reduce the amount of combined sewage requiring treatment at the Kaw Point Wastewater Treatment Facility. Currently, both stormwater and sanitary sewage are delivered through the combined sewer for treatment at the wastewater treatment facility. Separating the stormwater from the sanitary sewage will result in increased capacity at the plant as well as reducing the volume of water to be treated, reducing costs. In addition, this project is one part of the UG’s Integrated Overflow Control Plan approved by the Environmental Protection Agency in its Consent Decree agreement with the UG.
The construction general contractor has not been selected yet.
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