SMU in Your Neighborhood

 

Sayler Park 2022

For more than three decades, Hillside Avenue and Richardson Place in Sayler Park experienced chronic flooding when storm runoff from the large wooded watershed east of Hillside Avenue overwhelmed the 24” storm intake at 6346 Hillside Avenue and the combined sewer system to which it was connected. After especially heavy storms, mud, logs, and other debris were left in the street. SMU commissioned a design study in 2019 that verified the only viable solution was a large detention basin at 6346 Hillside Avenue. This required SMU to purchase 6344 Hillside Avenue, demolish it, and trade the property for a permanent access and maintenance easement at 6346 Hillside Avenue.

Construction began by clearing almost one-half acre of forested land. The clearing could only be performed from October – March to avoid disturbing the habitat of two bat species. Once cleared, the land was graded toward a new concrete channel that was graded toward a new 24” intake about 30’ south of the original intake. The flow path upstream of the concrete channel was lined with stone riprap to prevent erosion. Unexpected groundwater conditions required SMU to line part of the south bank of the basin as well. Two sets of galvanized steel trash racks were installed to prevent large debris from reaching the intake. A large concrete pad and driveway were constructed to facilitate debris removal and other maintenance.  A guardrail was installed along the east side of the street to prevent vehicles from accidently running into the basin.

Rick St John was the SMU Project Manager and Rich Robins was the SMU Construction Manager.

Winton Hills 2021

In 2021, SMU completed a successful stormwater drainage improvement project along Winton Ridge Lane in the Winton Hills neighborhood of the City of Cincinnati.  Winton Ridge Lane had been a chronic flooding area with SMU receiving drainage- and flooding-related complaints  for several years.   The work consisted of the construction of approximately 2500 linear feet of concrete ditch, 930 linear feet of curb, and 30 feet of road stabilization using I-beams.  With the completion of this project the safety of motorists has improved and the risk of flooding to residents along Winton Ridge Lane has been significantly reduced. Rob Goodpaster, SMU Senior Engineer, served as the SMU Project Manager.

 

Oakley 2020

In 2020, SMU completed a project to upgrade its Oakview Pump Station located in Oakley neighborhood of the City of Cincinnati.  The pump station, constructed in 1983, protects residences and property along Oak View Place and Aston Court from flooding during heavy rain events.  The work consisted of restoring the station’s detention basin, replacing the pump station’s three stormwater drainage pumps with new larger capacity pumps, replacing station’s electrical controls, and running a new higher voltage electric service to the site.  These improvements increased the ability of the station to collect and pump water more effectively from the site, improved the operational reliability of the pump station, and reduced the risk of flooding to the adjacent properties.

 

East End 2019

For more than two decades, the City has experienced chronic flooding on Riverside Drive underneath the railroad Rookwood Overpass.  The site is located in a bowl where surface water from both directions would often accumulate resulting in hazardous conditions for drivers and bicyclists.  These conditions resulted in numerous site visits by SMU over the years to clean and inspect its infrastructure and/or to respond to customer service requests. 

In 2019, SMU’s and DOTE’s contractor installed approximately 1,800’ of new storm pipe, installed eight new manholes and replaced all the inlets.  The connection of the SMU infrastructure to the MSD combined sewer was removed and the stormwater is now conveyed to a large outfall pipe which discharges to the Ohio River.  This resulted in a reduction in combined sewer overflows at this location.  A win-win for both utilities and for the environment!  The contractor also installed underdrains to improve the capture of the groundwater which reduced icing and sliming. 

 

Riverside 2016

The City neighborhood of Riverside has experienced chronic overland flooding for many decades due to its steep terrain and hilly topography.  The City and SMU itself responded to hundreds of flooding customer service requests in this area over the years. In 2016, SMU completed its Hillside Avenue CIP in the Riverside Community.  The stormwater infrastructure built as a result of this CIP significantly reduced those issues in the area. 

The new infrastructure includes approximately:  10 new street inlets, 1.3 miles of concrete channel, and 250 feet of new 12-inch storm sewer.  The locations of the new infrastructure were selected based on addressing the most problematic areas primarily along Hillside Ave between Anderson Ferry Rd and U.S. 50, as well as several adjacent streets.  SMU also sought input from the local community council in helping to plan the project.  SMU has received a great deal of positive feedback from Riverside Community leaders and residents associated with this work. The SMU Project Manager was Jeff Oxenham.