Soapstone sewer updates: UV curing for final pipe segments; Stream restoration plantings begin

UV will be used to cure the resin pipe lining along three segments named above: Shot 10 (parallel to Connecticut Avenue), and the two pipes from the sewer main to Lenore Lane and the Van Ness East condos. (Click the image to view a larger version)

DC Water’s Soapstone Valley sewer project contractor will be lining the final sewer pipe segments using a method community leaders had urged from the beginning: UV curing.

“We have decided to use UV for Lenore Lane, Van Ness [East] and shot 10,” DC Water’s Peter Tinubu, the project manager, told ANC 3F’s February 20th meeting. “Shot 10” is close and parallel to Connecticut Avenue. All three locations involve getting equipment onto or near steep slopes, making it too difficult and dangerous to set up the boiler required for hot water curing. The bad condition of the sewer line to Lenore Lane also made UV the best option available, Tinubu said.

DC Water expects to receive approval from the DC Department of Energy and the Environment for its UV curing plans during the March 4th week.

As of the February 20th meeting, 920 feet of the 6,200 project remained to be lined. That included the Audubon Terrace portion of the project, which was nearing completion.

ANC 3F Commissioner Mitch Baer, whose single-member district includes Soapstone Valley, sent us this photo from Audubon Terrace of the IPR crew at work during the week of February 12th.

The remaining project timeline, described by DC Water’s Jerrell Johnson during the ANC meeting, includes a March 4th week walkthrough with the agency’s contractors to discuss final plans for planting.

Some planting might already be already under way. DC Water said it would begin putting down “live stakes” the week of February 19th. These are cuttings from woody plants or trees, taken while the parent plant is dormant. Once placed in the ground, they set down roots. Live stakes are used in stream restoration projects to establish vegetation and stabilize the banks.

An example of live stakes on the banks of a restored stream, from DC Water’s ANC 3F presentation.

DC Water has said previously that the project’s end date is May 31st.