Critical infrastructure prevents disasters and protects community health
Project Clear is an initiative of the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD) that aims to improve wastewater infrastructure in the St. Louis area. As part of that initiative, the Deer Creek Sanitary Tunnel and Pump System is a project that combines a 3.9-mile-long tunnel with a pump station designed to prevent sanitary sewer overflows.
Under a contract with MSD, KAI 360 CS provided construction management services for the Deer Creek Pump Station. This included construction management and inspection, design reviews, scheduling and cost estimating, field engineering, constructability and biddability reviews, commissioning, construction administration, and M/WBE participation monitoring.
The 19-foot-diameter Deer Creek tunnel extends from Clayton to Shrewsbury and is located 150-200 feet below ground in deep rock. During heavy rains, it can store more than 38 million gallons of peak sanitary sewer flows. At the downstream end of the tunnel, the $32.3 million pump station dewaters the tunnel at a controlled rate. Together the system conveys sewage to the wastewater treatment plant at a controlled rate, which eliminates an expensive treatment plant expansion.
In April 2023, the Deer Creek Sanitary Tunnel and Pump Station was completed despite suffering a delay due to unexpected flooding in July 2022 when St. Louis received over nine inches of rain in a 24-hour period. The project included one wet well and two dry wells, one wet well building, one dry well building, one effluent vault structure, and numerous site improvements.
Explore a virtual tour of the Deer Creek Pump Station.
Photography by Tom Paule
- Services
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Commissioning, Construction Management, Cost Estimating, Construction Administration, Scheduling, Design Review, Constructability Review, Construction Inspection, Bidability Reviews, M/WBE Coordination
"KAI’s long-standing relationship with MSD spans well over a decade and is built on a shared commitment to delivering impactful, high-quality projects. We take immense pride in our role in enhancing the region by developing solutions that improve the everyday lives of its residents."
The Impact
Transforming flood-prone communities
Aging sewer and stormwater infrastructure can lead to problems for local residents and businesses. During heavy rains, overcharging contributes to basement backups and sewer overflows that cause property damage and environmental and health risks. The Deer Creek Tunnel collects, stores, and conveys excess wastewater from homes and businesses in the Deer Creek Watershed. Since its completion, it has provided relief to a number of communities, including Clayton, Richmond Heights, Brentwood, Maplewood, Webster Groves, and Shrewsbury.
