Upcoming Drainage Work
Seattle Public Utilities recently announced some upcoming drainage work on the west side of Broadview. Their message is below.
Dear Broadview Neighbor,
You may recall, early this year we reached out to launch the 12th Avenue NW Basin Drainage Project. Since we last were in touch, we’ve been digging into the data to see where installing natural drainage systems (NDS) might work best in the 12th Avenue NW Basin. You can learn more about NDS on our project webpage. If you want to receive updates about this project specifically, we recommend signing up for our 12th Avenue NW Basin project email through our website.
What are natural drainage systems?
NDS are engineered facilities that mimic nature by slowing or reducing stormwater runoff close to its source (streets, rooftops and parking lots). NDS also cleans stormwater runoff by filtering it before it harms our waterways.
What’s happening now?
Earlier this year, our project team completed a desktop analysis to identify potential blocks in the neighborhood where NDS might be feasible. Over the next few months, you may see crews conducting surveys and evaluating soils. We anticipate minimal disruption in the neighborhood during early geotechnical exploration activities.
We will also be mailing a survey to residents and property owners along these identified blocks to share information about the improvements and collect input on natural drainage systems. If you receive the survey in the mail, we hope you take a few minutes to complete and return it – your feedback will inform our design improvements in your neighborhood.
Next steps for identifying where NDS will be installed
Later this summer, we’ll work to narrow down the number of blocks to a select few so we can move into design. We’ll be using several criteria to help whittle down to the final block selection, including: feedback from neighbors, whether the block meets technical requirements (size, ability to infiltrate water, constructability, etc.), cost-benefit, and possible opportunities for additional benefits. Throughout the siting process, we will keep you updated on progress and engage you for specific feedback. Stay tuned!
Conveyance improvements through new pipes – more to come
In addition to NDS, which might be considered “green” infrastructure, we are also planning to design and construct “gray” infrastructure – underground pipes – to help move water through the 12th Avenue NW basin. These pipes are planned to be installed on NW 125th Street from 6th Avenue NW to 10th Avenue NW, on 10th Avenue NW from NW 125th to NW 122nd St, along NW 122nd Street from 10th Avenue NW to 11th Avenue NW, and then along 11th Avenue NW from NW 122nd Street to NW 120th Street (see below map). We are in early design of these improvements and will share more information in the future.
Stay connected
- Visit our project website, which includes a new listserv: www.seattle.gov/util/12thBasin
- Sign up for 12th Ave NW Basin specific email updates
- Email us at SPU_BroadviewProjects@seattle.gov
Thanks for your time. We look forward to working with you soon.
Warm regards,
Broadview Sewer and Drainage Improvement Project Team
206-409-3651
