MSD sanitary-relief project at Hampton Creek described as two-year effort; neighbors’ flooding concerns raised

Public works staff described a large Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD) sanitary-relief project north of Manchester Road during the Brentwood Public Works Committee meeting on Jan. 8.

Dan, the city’s public works representative, told the committee MSD plans include two large junction chambers on either side of Black Creek and installation of large-diameter pipes beneath the creek. "They'll have to dam it somehow, pump around it, excavate, put their pipes through there," he said, characterizing the work as a multi-stage construction sequence that could take about two years to complete.

Dan said an advantageous side effect of the project is the removal of two former railroad piers in the creek that had been discussed previously as costly to remove. He also reported MSD expects to go out for bids in February and that staff will coordinate public communications about any neighborhood impacts.

During questions, a committee member asked whether temporary damming and bypass piping could raise flood risks for nearby homes if a severe storm occurred during construction. Dan said MSD will use bypass piping and temporary measures intended to maintain flow while work is underway and that staff will meet with the contractor to confirm means and methods and to plan protections for neighbors.

No construction contract award was acted on by the committee; staff said MSD will publish bid information and staff will track schedule and communications with residents.