Project

As part of a long-term effort to reduce basement backups, relieve overcharged wastewater sewers, and sewer overflows, MSD Project Clear is replacing approximately 5,000 feet of sewer in the village of Wilbur Park near Bayless High School and unincorporated St. Louis County.

Why is this project being constructed?

MSD has invested almost $2.2 million into this neighborhood to construct this project to increase the capacity of the sewer system and minimize the instances that the system becomes overcharged and backs up in to basements or into our waterways.

As part of our agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Missouri Coalition for the Environment, MSD is committed to removing points in our system where untreated wastewater can overflow into local waterways. These points are known as Sanitary Sewer Overflows, or SSOs. This project will allow MSD to remove one SSO, helping to ensure wastewater is cleaned by one of our seven treatment plants before returning to the environment.

In addition to creating cleaner creeks and streams, the new sewer will also reduce the likelihood of basement backups and overcharged sewers for residents and businesses in this neighborhood by increasing the amount of flow the system can handle in this area.

How will it be built?

The entirety of the project will be constructed by digging through the surface of the ground to in a process known as “open-cut” construction. Crews will excavate the ground first and then lay almost 5,000 feet of new, bigger wastewater and stormwater sewer.

How will this affect residents?

As with any major construction project, residents in this neighborhood can expect to see and hear heavy construction equipment.

MSD Project Clear does anticipate traffic impacts with this project. Throughout the project, one lane of traffic will be used for transporting and hauling materials in and out of the project site. The Contractor will aid in directing traffic around their materials and equipment.

The contractor will follow all local ordinances and will notify all properties of any temporary access restrictions. There may be periods when driveways become inaccessible. The Contractor will give all property owners ample notification prior to any access restrictions.

When will construction take place?

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

• Estimated construction start: Summer 2021
• Estimated construction completion: Winter 2022