IMPLEMENTING ODOR CONTROLS IS BITTER-SWEET

Often times project stakeholders can make or break the successful implementation of a project. In the case of an odor control program for the 50-mile Potomac Interceptor (PI) regional sewer, the involvement of 13 public, private, and non-profit stakeholder groups has helped to steer the project in a direction that each of the involved parties seem to find acceptable. Like many gravity interceptors, the PI parallels natural drainage systems including the prominent Potomac River. Parts of the Potomac River Gorge have been listed as historic landmarks, and any construction proposed in these culturally significant areas raises concern from the National Park Service, environmentalists, recreationalists, and general public users. The goal of this project is to effectively eliminate odors emitted from the PI, while maximizing the benefits of stakeholder involvement to limit the impacts to culturally important and environmentally significant areas, and to improve homeowner and public enjoyment along several areas of the PI alignment where odor concerns have developed. The primary challenge in moving toward the final design of the project involves the successful coordination and agreement of the wide array of stakeholders involved in the key decision milestones of the project.