GC-06 Sanitary Relief Phase II (12157)

As part of a long-term effort to reduce basement backups and sewer overflows, MSD Project Clear is constructing a project to replace approximately 4,240 feet of undersized wastewater sewers in the city of Sunset Hills and unincorporated St. Louis County.

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About the Project

Public Meeting - July 16, 2024

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Public Meeting - July 1, 2021

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Project Map

What is the goal of this project?

MSD Project Clear is investing approximately $4.5 million to improve the wastewater sewers in the city of Sunset Hills and unincorporated St. Louis County. The goal is to reduce basement backups and sewer overflows, which occur when the sewers become overloaded during intense rainfall. It will also allow MSD to eliminate 1 sanitary sewer overflow point.

Project Facts

Construction is estimated to begin in late Summer 2024.
MSD Project Clear will replace approximately 4,240 feet of wastewater pipe.
The pipe size will increase to 8-18 inches in diameter allowing a larger amount of wastewater to flow through the system.

What can residents expect?

This project will be constructed by digging through the surface of the ground in a process known as “open-cut” construction. The pictures above depict what a neighborhood will look like before, during and after a typical open-cut project. In some areas, the contractor will use tunneling to avoid major traffic implications.

With any type of construction, residents can expect to see and hear heavy equipment during the sewer excavation process.

Traffic and Access: As some of the construction will take place in the street, residents should expect temporary lane closures on Emil Avenue, Sappington Road, Gravois Road and Parklind Drive. MSD Project Clear will maintain at least one lane of traffic at all times to allow residents to enter and exit.

Similarly, construction may lead to temporarily limited access to some properties along the construction route. Restrictions will be limited to active construction hours, and the contractor will notify property owners in advance of any access restrictions.

Restoration: After all new sewer pipes are installed, the contractor will restore the construction site according to all MSD and local requirements. This could include sodding any disturbed areas, replacing disturbed pavement, reinstalling fences, etc.

At least one MSD Inspector will be on-site part of the day for every day the contractor is working.

What is the timeline?

This is the current tentative project schedule. This is subject to change based on a variety of factors, including weather.

Estimated construction start: Summer 2024
Estimated construction duration: 18 months

FAQs

Q1: Will construction disrupt sewer service or other utility services?

While MSD’s contractor is connecting a home’s lateral to the new wastewater sewer, they may ask residents to limit water use. In general, this process can take between two to five hours, depending on the complexity of the connection. The contractor will notify property owners in advance.

MSD does not anticipate other utility services being disrupted during this project. We will work with Missouri One Call to locate utilities before beginning construction. Occasionally, the contractor may run into utilities that were not located by Missouri One Call which could result in temporary utility disruptions. If this happens, MSD will work with the utility to restore service as quickly as possible.

Q2. Will trees be removed as part of this project?

Trees may need to be removed to construct parts of this project. If there are good options to avoid removing trees, MSD will make every attempt to do that. Property owners with trees that will need to be removed that are not located in already existing easements will have been compensated for the removal through the easement acquisition process.

Q3. What will the construction site look like when it is finished?

In general, District policy is to restore affected areas to the same or better conditions than before the project. Streets that are disturbed through this project will be replaced and repaved with similar material. The project’s restoration will meet all local and District requirements.

During easement acquisition, an MSD Right of Way Agent will work with property owners to discuss restoration on their property. Most yard areas will be resodded with the same material. Driveways, walkways, and other hard surfaces will be restored using the same materials that are currently in place. In wooded ground areas, District policy is to seed the disturbed areas.

Q4. Will driveways be blocked during construction? If so, for how long, will residents be notified in advance, and where will residents be expected to park?

During active construction, some property owners may experience driveway access restrictions for a short period of time. The contractor will notify property owners in advance of any temporary access restrictions to allow them time to move their vehicles. The contractor will also fill trenches with gravel or place steel plates over trenches during non-working hours so residents can use their driveways during those times.

Q5. Will the contractor keep the construction site clean and clear of debris?

MSD will instruct its contractor to keep the site reasonably clean and clear of debris. MSD will have an inspector on site every day during active construction. Prior to the start of construction, MSD will give every resident and property owner along the construction site the inspector’s contact information. Community members are encouraged to bring any concerns to the on-site inspector or any other member of the project team.