A gravity sewer tunnel conveys wastewater using no mechanical equipment. ReWa initially studied eighteen project alternatives for this project and we chose this design because it features the lowest life-cycle cost and the least impact on the public. The tunnel is bored from one end, resulting in surface impact only at either end of the tunnel, rather than all along the sewer route if conventional construction methods were used.

The current system for the Reedy River Basin, which serves downtown Greenville all the way to Travelers Rest, is nearing capacity. If nothing is done, ReWa’s sewer lines, and the area along the Reedy River, would be at higher risk for the environmental impact of sewer overflows. Furthermore, economic development would be threatened because no additional wastewater flow can be added to the sewer lines. While the project is a long-term fix, Dig Greenville will also meet immediate needs by providing an increased buffer against sewer surcharges due to inflow and infiltration during rain events.

The construction of this gravity sewer tunnel will mitigate the present risks for sewer overflows in the upstream system, as well as allowing for additional flows for future development in the City of Greenville. The completion of this project will mean safer and more environmentally secure conveyance, as well as reliable capacity for the City as it continues to expand.

In addition to sewer capacity, ReWa is constructing an additional parking lot at the Greenville Zoo prior to Dig Greenville, and will turn over the current Zoo parking to the City after the project. This will ultimately create additional parking for the community to access the Greenville Zoo and Cleveland Park.

ReWa believes in sharing with the community. We have created social media and web pages dedicated to the project; sharing information at quarterly community meetings; speaking to community groups; engaging the media and giving updates via newsletters and e-blasts. Throughout the construction of Dig Greenville, the community is encouraged to engage ReWa and Black & Veatch (Construction Manager) and ask any questions they may have. Visit our Dig Greenville website at diggreenville.org.

The project began in early 2018 and will last approximately 30 months.

Where will construction activities take place?

There will be two construction sites for near surface sewer installation work and the tunnel boring machine staging. One will be located near Westfield Street / Riley Street and the other near Cleveland Park / Greenville Zoo.

An access shaft will be prepared at the downstream site in Cleveland Park to begin the tunnel construction. This excavated tunnel, 11 feet in diameter, will be mined with a tunnel boring machine (TBM) through the rock and be retrieved from a second shaft at the upstream site at Westfield / Riley Streets. Once tunnel excavation is completed, a corrosion resistant fiberglass pipe (7 feet in diameter) will be installed inside the tunnel, and then the space between the pipe and tunnel wall will be grouted, resulting in secured conveyance piping for the City’s wastewater flows.

These activities will involve rock excavation through blasting for the shafts and hard-rock mining for the tunnel, earthwork and trenching for pipe installation, site grading, concrete delivery and pouring, and material hauling.

ReWa is committed to conducting this project safely. Crews will conduct noise monitoring, vibration monitoring, dust monitoring, and must follow all applicable environmental and safety regulations during the project.

At each of the sites, sewer lines will be replaced and/or constructed to connect to the existing system. There will also be access shaft construction at the sites to allow the tunnel boring machine to access the tunnel.

Only qualified contractors were considered for the construction of the DIG Greenville Project. Contractors were required to demonstrate experience with hard rock tunnel boring of greater than 8 feet in diameter, constructing shafts greater than 20 feet in diameter in hard rock, and construction values of greater than $20 million.

ReWa is committed to limiting the impact on the neighborhoods at Cleveland Park and Westfield Street. ReWa has conducted numerous studies on dust, noise, and vibrations, and will continue to do so throughout the project. ReWa will contract a third party to conduct pre-construction inspections to ensure the contractor is held accountable for maintaining the present conditions of the public and private property surrounding the site.

How will dust be controlled around the construction site?

The Contractor will be held to all applicable OSHA standards and be required to prevent unnecessary dust at the project sites. Earth surfaces subject to dusting will be kept moist with water or by application of dust suppressants. Dusty materials in piles or in transit will be covered to prevent blowing dust. Streets will be swept if dust or soil is carried onto the adjacent public roads, and the contractor will have a water truck onsite at all times available for dust control.

The Contractor must follow applicable OSHA standards and the City ordinances regarding the noise levels at the construction site.

We do not anticipate any odors associated with the tunnel construction.

Fencing will be installed around the perimeter of both construction sites to prevent public entry. Signage will be posted at each of the project sites. All perimeter fencing will be at least 8 feet tall.

ReWa has instituted vibration and blasting limits to the construction contract to minimize the potential impacts. ReWa will implement continuous vibration monitoring at the project site and will require the Contractor to record and submit vibration records. Before the project starts, residents within a blast perimeter will be offered a pre-construction inspection to document the conditions of the residences and properties. If vibration causes damage, these surveys will be instrumental in protecting the property owners in a damage claim.

Several trees and landscaping at the Cleveland Park site will have to be removed as a part of construction activities. In response, as part of the restoration process, new trees and landscaping will be implemented with guidance from the City of Greenville.

The restoration activities will also include a safer, 90 degree intersection of the Zoo parking lot driveway and Cleveland Park Drive, as well as the realignment and expansion of Riley Street to a commercial width, allowing for safer public transit.

Numerous trees at Cleveland Park are being relocated or protected from damage by construction activities. Part of the work consists of periodically closing sections of the Swamp Rabbit Trail at the Greenville Zoo. However, ReWa will require two weeks advance notice and clear posting of the closures, and will not allow more than one section to be closed at any given time.

ReWa is committed to keeping Cleveland Park safe and accessible to the public during this project.

ReWa is committed to limiting the impact on the neighborhoods in Cleveland Park and Westfield Street areas. Residents are offered pre-construction inspections to document the existing conditions at their properties. A third party inspector will visit the property, document the existing conditions, and then forward the information to a secure location for safekeeping during the project. This pre-construction inspection information would be referenced in the event of a claim and would be instrumental in protecting the resident during any mediation.

If there is an immediate concern related to health or property, call 911.

Otherwise, call the Dig Greenville emergency 24-hour hotline at 1 (877) 897-1987.

In the event that construction activities cuase damage to a home or property, ReWa has initiated a claims process to remedy the damages. If you fell you have a claim, contact ReWa at (864) 299-4000 to make an appointment. ReWa will provide an appointment with public relations personnel and a project manager to address your claim.

We encourage you to ask questions throughout the project! If there is an immediate concern related to health or property, call 911. You  can call the Dig Greenville hotline 24/7 with any questions or concerns at 1 (877) 897-1987.

Call ReWa at (864) 299-4000.

Email Dig Greenville at DigGreenville@re-wa.org
Message or follow us on Twitter: @DigGreenville
Message or follow us on Facebook: DigGreenville

Where can I go to stay connected with the project?

We encourage you to stay connected throughout the project!

Visit our Dig Greenville website at diggreenville.org.
Sign up for our Dig Greenville project E-blast: E-Blast Signup

Follow us on Twitter: @DigGreenville
Follow us on Facebook: DigGreenville

Join us for our quarterly community meetings!

ReWa is excited to hold community meetings on a quarterly basis during the construction of the project.

Visit diggreenville.org for information regarding the next community meeting.