PROJECT ALTERNATIVES

This fall, the design team developed 3 alternatives to evaluate. Each alternative is designed to solve the flooding and reliability problems in a unique way.

Each alternative must:

• Work – the most basic criteria, the alternative must work technically to solve the problem
• Be permittable – several regulatory agencies have jurisdiction in the area, and the selected alternative must meet permitting requirements
• Fit within budget
• To the extent possible, minimize impacts to the community

Because of the nature of the project area, there are a few specific technical issues the team will plan around, including:

• Minimizing conflicts with existing utilities, like fiber optics, cable, natural gas, and sanitary sewer lines
• Instability of peat soils in the project area and potential need for additional structural support
• Operations and maintenance needs

Working with all of these criteria and design considerations in mind, the team developed alternatives A, B and C, shown in the following sections.