The City of Alexandria is looking for residents to have a voice in one of the biggest issues facing the city over the next few years. The Ad Hoc Sewer System Plan Stakeholder group will be composed of citizens from various neighborhoods and interest groups to help monitor the development of the Long Term Control Plan Update for the city’s combined sewer system. The group will meet monthly to provide input on the sewer plans, considering factors that include cost, environmental goals, and minimizing the impact on the community.
Old Town has an outdated combined sewer system that dumps millions of gallons of sewage into Hunting Creek and the Potomac River. Legislation approved earlier this year at the state level will require the city to implement a complete overhaul of the sewer system to the cost of $300 to $400 million to be completed by 2025.
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality requires a Long Term Control Plan. One was approved by the City Council in 2016, but the new legislation requires the plan’s revision to meet the 2025 deadline.
The 14 member Stakeholder Group will be appointed by the city manager. Currently, the city is looking for one resident from Bridgeyard or Porto Vecchio, one resident from Tobacco Quay, Oronoco Waterfront Residences, or Rivergate Townhomes, two at-large members with engineering, environmental, public finance or related knowledge and experience; and one member who is nominated by a local environmental advocacy group.
Applicants can contact Erin Bevis-Carver, civil engineer with the Department of Transportation and Environmental Services, at Erin.BevisCarver@alexandriava.gov. Applicants should contact Bevis-Carver by July 31 indicate which of the membership positions they are applying for along with a brief statement of interest.