DC Water is under a consent decree with US EPA to carry out a Long-Term Control Plan (LTCP) to control combined sewer overflows (CSO) into the Anacostia River, Potomac River, and Rock Creek. The Poplar Point Pumping Station Replacement project replaced the existing 45 MGD Poplar Point Pump Station, which has been in service since 1915 and is beyond its useful life.
The new station is located several hundred feet south-southeast of the existing station and has a firm capacity of 50 MGD and was designed to LEED Silver certification standards. Additionally, the Anacostia Main Interceptor (AMI) Diversion Chamber and 54” AMI Connection Sewer were constructed to divert flow to the new pump station to direct flow to the new pump station. An overflow structure will also be constructed to direct flow in excess of 50 MGD from the Poplar Point pump station to the Anacostia River Tunnel/Blue Plains Tunnel via a nearby tunnel shaft location. Additional project elements included odor control systems for both the pump station and the AMI Diversion Chamber and a new 15” gravity sewer to serve the Barry Farm neighborhood.
Shrewsberry’s scope included the site layout, grading, and design for the new pump station site; the odor control system; routing utilities to the pump station; rerouting utilities in conflict with the pump station; and meeting the LEED requirements for several Sustainable Sites LEED points. The site design includes several “green” elements including pervious pavement, a rain garden, retaining stormwater onsite for use onsite, maximizing open space, and native plant landscaping.