EWEB adjusted the project design to save trees
The team initially expected to reuse existing trenches for the piping to the new tanks, but that would have disrupted the critical root zones of most of the trees along Lincoln Street. As we continued the design process, the team found a workable option that reroutes the piping to save trees.
Pipe rerouting comes with some tradeoffs including a moderate increase in project cost and duration. However, the environmental benefits and public feedback about the importance of the trees to the neighborhood, served as the basis to save trees.
Tree removal
Though construction on the new tanks will not start until later this spring, crews will remove select trees the week of January 22 to comply with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The Act advises that tree removal happen between August 1 - January 31 to minimize impacts on nesting. Trees slated for removal will be marked as soon as next week.
