We are partnering with Chatham University to build a dry stream bed to slow down and soak up stormwater by the intersection of Woodland Road and Chapel Hill Road on Chatham's Shadyside Campus.
Progress & Status
We are working with Chatham University to coordinate this project as a priority to improve the performance of our combined sewer system in the A-22 sewershed.
During periods of intense rainfall, this sewershed has experienced sewer system surcharging and frequent basement sewage backups. Green infrastructure has been prioritized as a cost-effective strategy to increase existing system capacity and reduce the risk of flooding.
This project is located near the headwaters of a historic stream named Two Mile Run, which was routed underground into sewer pipes to flow to the Allegheny River.
Project Details
- The dry stream bed will consist of a channel lined with stones, engineered soil, and plants, all designed to mimic a natural stream’s headwaters and manage stormwater.
- Modular underground storage tanks will hold stormwater until it can be slowly released into the sewer system.
- The project will manage stormwater runoff from approximately seven acres of impervious area.
- These green stormwater infrastructure improvements will improve our sewer system capacity and reduce combined sewer overflows.
Construction Updates*
- Completed regrading of the site and installation of hardscaping and boulders for dry stream bed before a pause in construction over winter.
- Construction restarted in May 2022.
- Landscaping and site planting are expected in Spring/Summer 2022.
*Schedule could change due to weather, unforeseen site conditions, etc.
Partnership
- Chatham University and PWSA are collaborating to design, construct, and maintain this project.
- Project construction will be funded as a cost-share, with PWSA funding construction costs related to stormwater management and Chatham University funding construction costs not related to stormwater management, such as additional landscaping and surface amenities.
- Maintenance will be performed through a cooperative agreement between Chatham University and PWSA.
- This project is partially funded by ALCOSAN’s GROW grant program.
Additional Information
Locations & Schedule
Location Details:
Chatham's Shadyside Campus in Squirrel Hill
Start Date: June 2021
Completion Date: Majority of construction expected complete by end of December 2021, with additional construction and project planting in Spring/Summer 2022
Traffic Patterns: Intermittent road closures
Project Contacts
If you have questions, please contact the PWSA Project Manager
Project Manager
:
Ryan Quinn
412-255-8800 ext. 2421
rquinn@pgh2o.com
If you have questions, please contact PWSA's Public Affairs Department
Education and Outreach Associate
:
Elaine Hinrichs
412-738-1887
ehinrichs@pgh2o.com
If you have questions, please contact Chatham University
Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration
:
Walter B. Fowler
412-365-1846
wfowler@chatham.edu