Construction Under Way for Odor Abatement Project

On May 20, 2010, the DC Water and Sewer Authority (DCWASA) and National Park Service hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for Operation Clean Air, an odor-control project along a sewer line that runs from Virginia through parts of the lower C&O Canal National Historical Park.  Known as the Potomac Interceptor, the line has long been the source of unpleasant odors in and near the canal park. 

Operation Clean Air will involve the construction of six abatement facilities and the sealing of vents along the sewer line. The May 20 groundbreaking took place near Fletcher’s Cove in the District of Columbia (mile 3.2 on the canal). One of the other structures will also be sited within the canal park, near Anglers Inn (mile 12.3).  Both of these buildings will also provide public lavatories upon their completion, expected in November 2011.  During the construction period, portions of the canal park’s parking areas at Anglers Inn and Fletchers Cove will be unavailable to the public.  A part of the parking areas at Carderock will also be used to store construction equipment.

Two other abatement structures will be sited near the canal park along the Clara Barton Parkway, just east of I-495 and at the Little Falls Pumping Station, and two will be in Virginia.

The abatement structures will be placed in operation as completed, and will provide some odor control individually; however, maximum benefit is expected when all six structures are operational, scheduled for March 2012.  Closure of existing sewer vents will take place as the project proceeds, and all will be closed on its completion.

More information is available at WASA’s web page on the project.

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