Water system replacement under wayBy Annalee Grant

By Annalee Grant, Belvoir EagleJune 5, 2014

Water
Representatives from American Water and other organizations participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for American Water's 18 to 24-month project to replace the water and sanitary sewer pipes in Fort Belvoir's Woodlawn Village. From left : Robert Zar... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Fort Belvoir, Va. (June 5, 2014) - American Water and the Fort Belvoir Directorate of Public Works broke ground May 29, on an almost two-year project to completely rebuild and replace the water and sewage system in Woodlawn Village.

Jason Nash, capital projects manager for American Water said 13,000 feet of waterline and 9,000 feet of sewer line would be replaced.

"This will provide our Soldiers with the excellent service they deserve, so that they're not worried about water lines breaking, or sewer lines backing up that's going to affect their daily lives," he said. "They've got a few more important things to worry about than that."

The event at the Woodlawn Village Community Center, saw representatives from both American Water and DPW discuss the $14 million project and ceremonially kick off the work.

Fred Carter, DPW, civil engineer and contracting officer's representative, said residents of Woodlawn should expect to see some interruption in service during the project.

"There is a possibility it could affect residents there -- hopefully not negatively," he said. "Every resident will be affected at one point or another."

The project will correct water and sewage issues that Woodlawn Village residents have been dealing with for years.

"A higher than warranted percentage of interruptions of service occur (at Woodlawn Village), largely due to improper construction and choice of materials," Carter said. "Hopefully (the project) will provide the residents there with a much more constant and efficient level of service than they currently enjoy."

By the end of the two-year project, Carter said residents will clearly see the difference.

"Basically, when it's all said and done, they'll have a very high quality water service," he said.

Lenny White, American Water general manager, said the infrastructure at Woodlawn Village is not necessarily the oldest on base, despite the many problems.

"It's not nearly as old as some of the other infrastructure on post," he said.

DPW and American Water hosted a Town Hall Meeting May 21, where residents had the opportunity to ask questions about the upcoming work.

"I thought the residents left satisfied," Carter said. "They seemed to be pleased that this was going to happen. I can't say they were looking forward to the construction traffic, but it's a necessity."

American Water plans on publishing a schedule for residents of the rotating construction work that will see some lane closures and water services shut off, once details have been finalized.

White admits there will be service disruptions, but the two-phase plan will be done in parts to minimize the impact.

"We'll try to focus on a particular area," he said. "We want the neighbors to know what's going on. We will definitely be in constant contact."

While the groundbreaking ceremony has taken place, White said residents shouldn't expect construction to begin immediately. The plans for Phase One are currently being developed, and will be reviewed by DPW before construction begins.

"Phase One will only deal with waste water," White said. Phase Two is expected to begin late this year, or early next year.

For more information on this project, contact Carter at david.f.carter15.civ@mail.mil.