Sewer Separation Project CSO15 & CSO 81

Project typeCombined Sewer Separation
Project value$4,000,000
Project scheduleSpring 2024 to Spring 2025
Contractor nameGlobal Earthworks and Underground, LLC
Completion DateApril 30, 2025

Photograph of a storm sewer manhole cover

The CSO 15 and 81 Sewer Separation project is substantially complete, which means that major construction has wrapped up and only minor details remain. Over the next few weeks, the contractors will finish work along Jersey Creek backfilling some inlets, removing traffic control sites, and performing general clean-up. Final restoration of the work site will occur in the coming months. To learn more about restoration activity, see the FAQ below.
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Beginning Summer 2024, residents of the Kensington Community and Historic Westheight neighborhoods 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) 15 and CSO 81 Sewer Separation – is the third of fourteen planned separation projects that will improve water quality, reduce overflows, and protect the community and environment. Scheduled for completion by April 2025, 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 Glendale Avenue on the east, North 25th Street on the west, Troup Avenue on the north, and Richmond Avenue on the south. The scope of work involves installing roughly 3,400 feet of new storm sewer piping and manholes, and 17 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 short segment of new sanitary sewer piping and manholes.

This sewer separation project is valued at about $4.0 million and is funded through sewer user fees and a grant through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA).

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

About the Project

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 third 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.

How is the project funded?

This project will be funded using sewer user fees and a grant through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA). ARPA is an ambitious initiative to stimulate the American economy, support residents, and curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

When does construction begin and end?

Construction will begin in Summer 2024 and is anticipated to be complete by Spring 2025, weather permitting.

Will there be road closures during construction?

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.

Why are the sewers being separated

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.

Who is the Project Contractor?

The construction contractors are Global Earthworks and Underground, LLC.

How does restoration work following construction?

The restoration process for properties affected by construction ensures that disturbed areas are returned to their original condition or better. Check out this general information about the restoration process:

What is the standard used for restoration? The Contractor is required to restore disturbed areas on properties to the equivalent of its original condition or better.
When will restoration start on my property? Typically, restoration is done at the end of the project and within commonly acceptable planting seasons to ensure successful vegetation growth. If there are issues with erosion on the project site, portions of the project may be restored as the work progresses.
How will my grass be restored/replaced? Sod is typically used for grass replacement on private property restoration. Seed is typically used for grass replacement on public property restoration.
Will my trees that were removed during the project be replaced? Tree replacement is typically determined during easement acquisition and design. Trees shown as saved will be marked and protected during construction. Replacement trees will be installed as one of the last steps of restoration of the project. Trees will be planted outside of the permanent sanitary sewer easement.
How long is the Contractor required to maintain sod after it has been planted? The Contractor is required to water the sod for a period of approximately 20 days after laying until the roots of the sod are anchored in place. The Contractor is fully responsible for the condition of the sod work for one calendar year after acceptance of the work. After final acceptance of the project by the UG, the property owner is responsible for watering, mowing, and maintaining the grass.
How long is the Contractor required to maintain grass after it has been planted? The Contractor is required to water the grass until a stand of grass is thoroughly knitted, uniform in color, overall texture, density and reasonably free of weeds, diseases, or other imperfections. After final acceptance of the project by the UG, the property owner is responsible for watering, mowing, and maintaining the grass.
How will my driveway be replaced if it was disturbed by the construction activities? Gravel will be placed as a temporary drive surface until the concrete or asphalt is replaced. The driveways will be saw cut to remove all damage edges and undermined/heaved pavement caused by construction activities. The driveway replacement shall match or exceed the existing driveway.
Who do I need to contact if I have an issue with the restoration on my property? If there is an issue with restoration on your property, please reach out to Public Works Engineering by calling 3-1-1.

Location

Glendale Avenue on the east, North 25th Street on the west, Troup Avenue on the north, and Richmond Avenue on the south, Kansas City, KS 66104 View Map

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39.124911,-94.6686267

Glendale Avenue on the east, North 25th Street on the west, Troup Avenue on the north, and Richmond Avenue on the south , Kansas City, KS 66104

Sewer Separation Project CSO15 & CSO 81