Kansas City Project May Be Biggest in US for Green Solutions to Sewer Overflow Problem

First posted on 11-06-2008

The Kansas City Missouri Water Services Department announces that preliminary work has begun on a green solutions pilot project as part of the Overflow Control Program. It is believed that the 100-acre pilot project will be the largest installation of green solutions for combined sewer overflow control currently being planned for construction in the United States. The general area of the project is south of 73rd Street between Troost Avenue and Paseo Boulevard.

Contractors recently began work to perform routine mapping, survey work, field investigations, and smoke testing of the project area. City staff and consultants will use the data obtained to determine the preliminary number, location, and size of green solutions necessary to control and store a minimum of 500,000 gallons of stormwater in the pilot project area. The data obtained will also be used to identify needed improvements to the existing sewer system.

Green solutions are an alternative to traditional stormwater management improvements. Possible green solutions that will be considered include:
• Street Trees
• Stormwater Planters
• Curb Extension Swales
• Catch Basin Retrofits in the Road and Street Rights-of-Way
• Replacement of Sidewalks in Road and Street Rights-of-Way with Permeable Pavement
• Replacement of Pavement Outside of Road and Street Rights-of-Way with Permeable Pavement

For more information about the preliminary work currently underway or for more information about the entire green solutions pilot project, please call (816) 513-0521.