Soapstone Sewer Project: More Shovels, Fewer Trees Removed

From ANC 3F03 Commissioner Mary Beth Ray, an update on Soapstone sewer project:

Exposed manhole and sewer crossing in the Soapstone Valley.

On August 21st, Commissioners Sally Gresham, Bob Summersgill and I, along with David Bardin and Marjorie Share, met with DC Water officials Jodye Russell, Jessica Demoise, Will Elledge and a representative of the Hazen and Sawyer, consultants on this project, in Soapstone. As a result of this meeting and the many comments that DC Water has received it has agreed to the following:

• Incorporate manual methods into their sewer rehabilitation plan– literally humans with shovels and wheelbarrows– which will seriously reduce the number of trees removed and impacted,
• Due to Commissioner Summersgill’s FOIA request, make available videotapes and reports showing the current state of the sewers to Commissioners, Soapstone Committee members and its designated experts,
• Take immediate steps to monitor odors in Soapstone and take steps to try to eliminate at least some of the odors.

At the ANC 3F meeting on August 27th, the Commission voted unanimously to set up a Soapstone Committee. The Soapstone Committee will continue pressing for clarity on the facts, exploring alternative methods to limit the destruction of trees, and coordinating with various agencies, non-profits, the private sector and the community to correct the erosion and stormwater problems. If you or someone you know is interested in serving on the committee, please send a resume to [email protected] along with a short statement of your interest. The committee would benefit from a variety of backgrounds, including but not limited to engineers, lawyers, public policy specialists, developers and environmental scientists.

It’s not too late to submit comments. The August 18th deadline has been extended (new date unknown), so please voice your concern about preserving the beauty and tranquility of Soapstone, and ask to be kept informed. Email comments should be directed to [email protected].