Sewer CIPS

Capital improvement projects currently underway within the Division of Sewerage & Drainage:


SWWTP Organics Receiving & Bioenergy Utilization Facility CIP# 650353-100007
This project will relocate the plant 108” bypass, construct 2, three (3) million gallon digesters, replace the floating digester covers (D01-D05, D07) with fixed, concrete covers, construct a cogeneration facility, and construct a fats, oils, and grease (FOG) and food waste receiving station. We are constructing these facilities to provide additional digestion capacity to the plant to help with solids treatment. The digester covers and cogeneration facility is being constructed to capture all the methane produced in the digesters in order to produce electricity and heat and reduce the greenhouse gas impacts within the facility. The FOG and food waste receiving station is being constructed to provide additional high strength waste to the digester complex in order to produce additional methane.

Construction is expected to begin in fall of 2024 and is anticipated to be completed by fall of 2031. Financing for this project is being provided through a below market-rate loan through the OEPA’s Water Pollution Control Loan Fund (WPCLF) Program. The Ohio EPA has completed a Limited Environmental Review (LER) for this project. View the LER(PDF, 461KB) and the letter of "Notice of Issuance of a Limited Environmental Review and Finding of No Significant Impact.”

Specific questions concerning this project should be directed to the City’s Project Manager, Tyler Schweinfurth, 614- 645-7758 or gtschweinfurth@columbus.gov.


Southerly WWTP Main Drain Alternative Pipe Route
This project will 
construct a flow diversion structure within the wastewater treatment plant's main drain and an alternative pipe to redirect flows during large wet weather events. Construction is currently scheduled to begin in late 2024 and will be completed in 2026.


Southerly WWTP HVAC and Air Purification Project
This project will replace the outdated HVAC system. There will be no interruptions of service or direct impact to the public as a result of the construction of this project, which is expected to begin in mid-2024 and completed by the end of 2025.


JPWWTP Sludge Concentration Tank Demolition
This project is expected to begin in the summer of 2024 and extend through the winter of 2026. It will remove abandoned sludge concentration tanks and convert the area to greenspace.


SWWTP Raw Sewage Pump Building Rehabilitation
Construction on this project is to begin in 2024 and extend through fall of 2025. It will focus on architectural, structural, electrical, and aesthetic improvements to a building in a state of disrepair due to long-term sewer gas exposure.


Surveillance Lab Equipment Purchase
This project will provide new technology for the sewer Surveillance Laboratory at Fairwood Avenue. It will allow the analyzation of wastewater samples for emerging contaminants, such as PFAS; thus protecting the receiving waters, the community, and environmental compliance. The project is expected to be completed in the 4th quarter of 2023.


Brooklyn - Cleveland Heights Elimination System
This project will extend sanitary sewer service on Brooklyn Road (near Morse and Cleveland) to replace home sewage treatment systems (HSTS), which can leach into the groundwater table causing contamination. Construction is expected to begin in 2023 and be complete by summer 2024. Impacted residents will receive written notice prior to construction with info on timing and contacts.


Sewer Rehabilitation Using Trenchless Technology
Trenchless technology, known as cured-in-place-pipe (CIPP), works by inserting a resin-saturated felt liner into the existing sewer, which is rehabilitated when the resin liner is cured to a hard finish. Access to the sewer is typically gained through manholes instead of an open cut excavation from the surface. Benefits when this process can be used include less disruption to residents, businesses and motorists; reduced construction time; and reduced loss of trees.


Southerly WWTP Far East Expansion Project
This projects supports continued growth in central Ohio and protects the health of the Scioto River watershed. Preliminary design is planned for the beginning of 2024, with detailed design and construction to follow. The project includes new circular primary clarifiers, aeration basins, high efficiency blowers, expanded influent and effluent conduits, tunnel system expansion, associated buildings and support systems expansions. The project will create several new full time positions to support the long-term operation of the plant expansion.


Markison Inflow Redirection
This project involves intercepting storm runoff from the existing combined sewer system to the new storm sewer system and improvements to the Markison Avenue CSO Regulator. The project area is generally bounded by: Smith Road on South, 22nd Street on West, Lockbourne Road on East and Whittier Street on North. To meet Consent Order deadline, this project will be operational by July 1, 2025.


Kerr-Russell Inflow Redirection Project
Located on Kerr Street south of Russell, this project will mitigate overflows and includes converting several parking lanes on Kerr Street and Warren Street to a permeable paver surface. The paver parking lanes will include traffic islands to delineate the parking areas.


Big Walnut Sanitary Trunk Extension Phase 2
This project will extend sanitary sewer service further into northeastern Franklin County and southern Delaware County service areas. Construction is currently estimated to begin in early 2023, with the entire project completed by the end of 2026. Traffic impacts are being mitigated through restricted hauling hours and designated hauling routes.


Intermodal Sanitary Subtrunk Extension
This project will extend sanitary sewer service further into the Northern Pickaway Joint Economic Development District, just south of Rickenbacker. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2023 and to be completed by spring 2025. Traffic impacts are being mitigated with restricted hauling hours and routes.


Alum Creek Trunk - South (Phase 1) Sanitary Rehabilitation Project
Concrete repairs are needed in this nearly 60-year old sewer. Using trenchless rehabilitation, nearly 8,500 lineal feet of 102" diameter sewer will be repaired in early 2023 (and completed in late 2024). Located along the Alum Creek Multi-Use Trail and Three Creeks Park, users may notice caution signs; efforts will be made to reduce disruption to public access.


Blacklick Creek Sanitary Interceptor Sewer (BCSIS) - Air Quality Control Facility
Located at 7154 Blacklick Ridge Boulevard, this project will improve air quality and odor control. It should begin in fall 2023 and completed by the end of 2024. Traffic impacts should be minimal. Those in the immediate area will be invited to a public meeting before construction.


Southerly ERC-FRC Replacement
Construction is expected to begin in Fall of 2022 and run through Spring of 2024. It will replace the MCCs in both the ERC and FRC, the transformer and switch between the two buildings, and the harmonic filters in each building.


SWWTP Post Aeration Diffuser Replacement
Four tanks that treat and disinfect all of the plant effluent of the Southerly Waste Water Treatment Plant are being replaced, rebuilt or upgraded due to UV exposure, age, and lack of replacement parts. Construction is scheduled to begin in fall 2022 and last about two years.


Alum Creek Subtrunk Sewer Upsizing and Rehab
This project will construct a 450-ft of 60’’ corrosion resistant pipe to replace the existing 42’’ sanitary sewer near Roads End Place and College Avenue and other updates to mitigate sewer overflow to Alum Creek, and other benefits. Sewer. Construction is expected to begin in fourth quarter of 2022.


Near North and East - Iuka Park Project
This project will rehab existing manholes and sewers that are in poor condition to restore capacity and extend use another 50 years. Construction should begin in late 2023 and be completed in late 2024. Impacted residents will receive notification in advance with timing details and contacts.


Barnett Deshler HSTS Elimination
This project will add sewer improvements along East Deshler Ave., Barnett Rd and Bexvie Ave. to eliminate the on-lot home sewage treatment systems (HSTS) currently in use. Construction will start in spring 2022 and be completed by fall 2022.


Meeklynn Drive Sanitary and Storm Sewer Improvements Project
This project will construct both sanitary and storm sewer improvements along Meeklynn Drive and Olentangy River Road. These projects will be bid and constructed together but will have separate funding sources. Construction is anticipated to start early 2022.


2021 Annual Lining Contract
This project will rehab sanitary sewer mains that are more prone to leaks or failures. Benefits include reducing the amount of non-sewerage waters getting into the sanitary sewer (reducing water in basements and sewerage overflows to streams and rivers). It includes over 47,000 linear feet of 8" to 18" diameter sewers using cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) methods. With construction to begin in spring 2022, area residents will receive notifications prior to the work being performed.


East Franklinton Sanitary Sewer - Phase 3
This sanitary sewer, storm sewer, water improvements Phase III project will replace or renew sewer and water lines within the area generally bounded by W Broad Street, Grubb Street, Dodge Park, and Lucas Street. Construction is anticipated to begin in the Fall of 2021 and completed in the Spring of 2023.


Rickenbacker Intermodal Sanitary Extension
This project will eliminate a pump station and provide sanitary sewer service for future development. Construction is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2021 and completed by the third quarter, 2022. Due to the industrial nature of the area, no residents will be impacted by the project.


Dyer-Lazar HSTS Elimination Project
This project will extend sanitary sewer in Dyer Rd, Lazar Rd, Tanis Rd, and Brown Rd to eliminate home sewage treatment systems because they can leach into the ground water. It is expected to begin in spring 2022 and be complete by summer 2023. Residents will receive notice from the contractor prior to construction, giving info and contacts.


Moler Street Overflow Interceptor Sewer
Bounded by: W. Moler Street on South, S. High Street on East, Scioto River on West and W. Gates Street on North, this project will redirect combined sewer overflows that discharge to Scioto River. Construction will start summer of 2024 and be completed fall of 2025.


SWWTP Boiler Project
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2022 and will last approximately 18 months. Work will be completed so only 1 boiler is out of service at a time.


Williams/Behm HSTS Elimination Project
This project will extend sanitary sewer service in the Williams Rd/Behm Rd area, replacing home sewage treatment systems to eliminate the potential of ground water contamination. Construction is expected to begin in second quarter of 2021 and be complete by second quarter of 2022. Impacted residents will receive notice prior to construction with info on the timing of the work and contact information.


Center Large Diameter Rehabilitation Project
This project will perform rehabilitation of the City’s sewers in downtown Columbus. Construction is expected to begin in early 2021 and be completed early in 2022. Impacted residents will receive written notification from the contractor prior to the work with information on timing and contacts.


Lower Olentangy Tunnel (LOT)
Connecting to OARS at Vine Street, the LOT main tunnel will construct about 17,000 feet of 12-foot diameter tunnel at an average depth of 50 feet. It will be mined with a tunnel boring machine (photo) and built with precast concrete segments. There are three main shafts along LOT: Tuttle Park north of Lane Avenue, Gowdy Field near Third Avenue & Olentangy River Road, and at Vine Street.


Alum Creek Storm Tanks - Real Time Control
Pending approval, construction is expected to begin in late Fall of 2020. The goal of the project is to mitigate sewer overflow to Alum Creek at near Roads End Place and prevent river inflow and infiltration to the sanitary sewer.


JPWWTP Raw Sewage Pump Valve Project
Construction of this project is roughly estimated to begin in the fall of 2020 and extend through the fall of 2021. This project will replace the hydraulic system with individual actuator systems to allow for multiple cone valves to be on operation at the same time, giving the plant more flexibility when starting pumps.


Intermodal Sanitary Subtrunk Extension (ISSE)
This project will extend sanitary sewer service further into the Northern Pickaway Joint Economic Development District which is located just south of Rickenbacker International Airport. The project will be advertised for bid and the City will issue the construction Notice to Proceed in early 2021.


Lockbourne Intermodal Subtrunk (LIS) Air Quality Improvements
This project will improve air quality and aid in the reduction of system corrosion. The project is due to be completed in 2021.


Third Avenue Relief Sewer - Phase 3
Includes design and construction of sanitary sewers along West Third Avenue between Edgehill Road and Northwest Blvd. It includes new and replacement sidewalks and curb ramps to complete a continuous pedestrian path. Construction will start in 2nd quarter 2022 and be completed in 2nd quarter 2023.


Southwesterly Composting Facility – Odor Control Improvements
This project will reduce emissions to the atmosphere, replace equipment that has reached the end of its useful life, and increase flexibility within DOSD’s biosolids beneficial use program, resulting in better control of odors emitted to the surrounding area. Construction is scheduled to begin in mid-2023.


2018 Annual Lining Contract
This project will rehabilitate existing sanitary sewer mains and manholes, reducing occurrences of water in basements and sewerage overflows to area streams and rivers. Construction is expected to begin in summer 2019.


OARS Deep Sewer Tunnel
The Olentangy Augmentation Relief Sewer (OARS) tunnel will carry wet weather overflows that would otherwise empty into the Scioto River, to wastewater treatment plants. Construction began in September 2010 and is expected to be operational by late summer 2017.


Woodward Avenue Sanitary Sewer Project
This project will provide new residential sanitary service for 14 existing homes that are currently served septic tank systems, as well as extending existing sanitary sewers. The project will be advertised for bid in 2017 and the City will issue the Notice to Proceed in 2018, pending final approval from OEPA. The project is due to be completed in 2020.


SWWTP Digestion Process Expansion Project
This project will enable the wastewater treatment plant to digest all of the thickened primary sludge during peak flows. Construction is to begin in early 2022.


Brimfield Area Sanitary System Repair Project
Pending approval, construction will start early in 2021 and be completed in the last quarter of 2021. The project area is generally bounded by: Brimfield Road on South, Beechcroft Road on East, Tamarack Blvd. on West and Forest Village Lane on North. This project will replace sections of a sanitary sewer system that has settled and holds standing water which can cause basement backups.


Managing Our Sewer System
Various initiatives are underway to protect and improve water quality in the Columbus metropolitan area. We all benefit from clean water.