The Dearborn City Council awarded a contract to Applied Sciences Inc. for design and construction services for the rehabilitation of the Colson Palmer 12-foot storm tunnel rehabilitation project during its May 6 meeting.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Times-Herald Newspapers
DEARBORN – A contract for the rehabilitation of a 12-foot diameter storm tunnel in east Dearborn was award during the May 6 City Council meeting to Applied Sciences Inc. of Southfield.
The $686,143 contract award for design and construction services will help restore the storm water tunnel to its original capacity.
The total approved project budget is $1,245,050 from the sewer fund, sewerage and capital project support funds.
The 1.97-mile-long pipe funnels storm water from the northeast section of Dearborn into the Rouge River. However, much of the pipe is now filled with sediment caused by upstream development and more intense rainfall in recent years as a result of climate change.
The outlet to the Rouge River, once above the level of the river, is now frequently under water, which allows backwater from the Rouge River to deposit debris and sediment into the stormwater line, which reduces the open area for stormwater to flow through.
The aim of the project is to allow stormwater to enter the Rouge River through the line without the need for routine maintenance.
Existing sediment in the line will eventually be dewatered and removed.
Drawing and specifications for dewatering pumps to restore the storm line to its functional 12-foot diameter will be developed. This will increase the system’s ability to store and move stormwater through the system to the Rouge River.