Construction Map

The Northside Project

The Northside Project Kicks Off with Fieldwork Throughout North Hill and Chapel Hill Neighborhoods

Fieldwork kicked off in early 2020 for the Northside Project, which is one of the last projects of the Akron Waterways Renewed (AWR!) Program. Similar to the other construction in the AWR! Program, the Northside Project is required as part of the City’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandated Consent Decree (CD). 

Throughout the remainder of 2020, the City of Akron will perform a variety of fieldwork activities that includes mobile mapping, flow monitoring, groundwater measurements, and soil borings in the North Hill and Chapel Hill neighborhoods.  The fieldwork will also include a Downspout and Stormwater Drain Survey of residential properties in the project area. 

It is important to note that crews are considered essential workers under the current stay at home order and will be following guidelines set by the CDC and Ohio Department of Health.

(Please scroll to the bottom for translation services.) Please watch the video below for more information on fieldwork. 

Mobile Mapping: 

White markings have been placed on the streets throughout the project area. These markings are used with a state-of-the-art technology to collect survey data to create maps for the project. A white vehicle, similar to the one shown in the picture below, will travel throughout the area in late May 2020 collecting data along roadways. The vehicle will complete the data collection in just a few days, and the information will be used to create mapping for the Northside Project.

Flow Monitoring: 

In March of 2020, the City of Akron installed temporary sewer flow monitors and rain gauges throughout the project area.  The flow monitors and rain gauges measure flows in our sewer system and volume of rain data for a time period that will extend to July 2020.  Field crews will regularly inspect the equipment to ensure that accurate data is being gathered.  The data from these instruments will be evaluated to compare sewer flows during wet and dry-weather conditions.

Groundwater Measurements:

In April of 2020, piezometers were installed at five residential homes to measure the level of groundwater.   Piezometers were installed about 10-feet below the surface, and electronic equipment will measure the changes in groundwater levels.  The groundwater levels will be continuously measured into July 2020. 

Geotechnical Soil Borings:

Geotechnical soil borings will be drilled at various locations starting in late May 2020 and continuing into the early part of the summer.  Each boring will be completed in less than half of a day and will be used to collect soil samples.  In this way, geotechnical engineers use the soil samples to determine various characteristics of the soil and groundwater depths as well. 

Downspout and Stormwater Drain Survey:

The City of Akron will begin downspout and stormwater drain surveys in May 2020.  The field workers will only observe downspout and stormwater drains as part of this work. This may include entering the back and side of yards to capture necessary information. Field personnel will contact residents for special access if needed due to fences, dogs or other issues. In no case will our field workers enter your homes during this initial phase. 

The visual surveys of an individual home should be completed in less than an hour, and residents impacted by these inspections will receive letters prior to the inspection, as well as clearly marked door hangers.  Also please note that our field workers will be easily recognizable with yellow vests and City of Akron badges.

It is important to note that crews on-site are considered essential workers under the current stay at home order and will be following guidelines set by the CDC and Ohio Department of Health.

Public Outreach Documents 

click image for PDF version

For translation help please visit https://translate.google.com/. 

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