Construction Map

The Northside Project

Ongoing Fieldwork Throughout North Hill and Chapel Hill Neighborhoods

The Northside Project, which is one of the last projects of the Akron Waterways Renewed (AWR!) Program included a variety of fieldwork activities throughout the Chapel Hill and North Hill neighborhoods in 2020. The fieldwork is nearly complete, with only a few remaining tasks to be completed.  Information collected from the fieldwork is being reviewed to define sewer improvements, and details of the fieldwork are described below.

It is important to note that crews are wearing face masks and are following guidelines set by the CDC and Ohio Department of Health.

(Please scroll to the bottom for translation services.)  

Dye Water Testing: 

Dye water testing started at homes and other properties in August 2020 and will be completed in early 2021. Dye water testing is conducted with a non-toxic and environmentally friendly dye that is placed into gutters or downspouts. The dye is bright fluorescent (typically green) in color and may be visible from the street.  Please keep in mind that the dye is biodegradable and not harmful. All water used is provided by the City of Akron and not the homeowner/tenant.  Please click on the video below for more information.  

Dye Water Test Video - Nepali Translation 

Downspout and Stormwater Drain Survey:

The City of Akron performed downspout and stormwater drain surveys throughout the project area in 2020, which included observations of downspout and stormwater drains.  Residents received letters notifying them of the work to be performed, as well as clearly marked door hangers.  While the work included entering the back and side of yards to capture necessary information, field workers did not enter homes.  Field personnel contacted residents for special access as needed due to fences, dogs, or other issues. The visual inspection of an individual's home was typically completed in less than an hour. Please click on the video below for more information.

It is important to note that crews are wearing masks and are following guidelines set by the CDC and Ohio Department of Health.

Basement Surveys:

The City of Akron mailed basement surveys to residents and property owners. The basement survey included two convenient ways to submit completed surveys: 1) using a pre-addressed stamped envelope provided with the letter or 2) filling out the survey online with the link provided in the letter. The information provided in these surveys is now being used for sewer design and to determine the depth of the sewer from your basement. The information collected will only be used for the Northside Project.

Mobile Mapping: 

A state-of-the-art technology was used in 2020 to collect survey data and create maps for the project.  You may have noticed white markings on the streets throughout the North Hill and Chapel Hill neighborhoods. A white vehicle, like the one shown in the picture below, collected data along roadways.  Even though the mobile mapping is completed, you may still see the white markings on the street.

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 measured flows in the sewer system and volume of rain data from March to July 2020. Field crews regularly inspected the equipment to ensure that accurate data was gathered. The data from these instruments is now being evaluated to compare sewer flows during wet and dry-weather conditions.

Groundwater Measurements:

In April of 2020, piezometers were installed at various locations in the project area to measure the level of groundwater. Piezometers were installed about 10 feet below the surface, and electronic equipment continuously measured the changes in groundwater levels through July 2020. 

Geotechnical Soil Borings:

Geotechnical soil borings were drilled at various locations in 2020 and a few additional borings will be drilled in early 2021. The borings are used to collect soil samples to determine various soil/rock characteristics and groundwater depths to assist with design. 

(Click door hanger for a PDF version)

Public Outreach Documents 

click image for PDF version

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