Dear Neighbor:
Happy Spring! We are reaching out with an update on the College Hill Reservoir Replacement Project.
Tank Construction
EWEB is soliciting bids from qualified contractors to complete the demolition and excavation phase of the project. The contract will be awarded at the May 7 board meeting. After a contractor is selected, we will share a work schedule and construction mitigation plan with impacted neighbors.
Pipeline Design
Work has started on the design for the new transmission main and drain line construction. While the full scope is still being developed, we anticipate the pipeline will run from the tank site down Lincoln Street and 23rd Avenue to near the intersection of Amazon and 23rd Avenue. EWEB is currently evaluating the best way to install the piping down Lincoln Street. As part of this evaluation, it is necessary for us to characterize ground conditions.
On April 22, a crew will begin collecting core samples of rock on Lincoln and 23rd. Work will start on 23rd Avenue. While work is happening on 23rd Avenue, it will be necessary to close select blocks for 2-4 hours at a time. If you live in a house that will be impacted by the work, we will reach out separately with details.
Landscaping Plan
There has been a high level of engagement with our online comment form and our direct email, with over 200 landscaping-related comments received as of April 1. We have published the feedback on our website here.
One of the main themes is for a new flat slab to be constructed somewhere on the College Hill site. We have heard you and are hiring a local firm to help us evaluate the economic, social, and environmental considerations of constructing a new slab to help guide the decision-making process.
If you haven’t already, we encourage you to submit your feedback using our online comment form. We will keep the form open into 2025 to ensure interested parties have a chance to make their voices heard.
With construction starting in late spring, we will be shifting our focus to communications about demolition, excavation, and construction impacts. This will include direct outreach to impacted homeowners with details on blasting and inspections, parking, and other local impacts. Once the demolition and earthwork is complete and the tanks start to take shape, we will push forward with developing landscape concept plans and hold meetings to gather input.
There is a large window of time to develop and refine the landscaping plan, as replanting and restoration is scheduled for late 2026 into 2027. That said, we know the plan is important to the community, and we are committed to keeping the process moving.
Farewell Event
Finally, we know there is great interest in holding a farewell event at the reservoir before demolition. Plans are in motion, and we will reach out with more details soon.
