Evening star., 1952-06-24
Sewer Planning
Held Inadequate
Since 1941
Danger Was Apparent
At Park Area in 1o4o,
Gen. Robinson Says

Neither planning nor construc.
ton of District sewers since 1941
has been able to keep abreast o1
the growth in population and de-
mandS. the House District Com
mittee was advised today.
Engineer Commissioner Ber-
nard L. Robinson sent a report
on the situation in response to q
request by William N. Mcleod
jr., committee clerk, for informa-
ton on the Rock Creek Park
sewer problem. ....
Meanwhile. the city heads have
sent to the Bureau of the Budget
a request for $1.2 million to cor
rect the sewage overflow which
has closed a section of Rock
Greek Park to public use.
The proposal will go to the
Capitol after approval by the
Budget Bureau.
Plan Devised in 1889.
In his letter to Mr.. Mcleod
Gen. Robinson pointed out that
the sewer plan devised for the
District in 1889 was based on
serving population Of 100000,
to be reached about 1924. After
that the system would have to be
supplemented as needed.
"The sewer system is now serv-
ing a population of over / mil
lion." he wrote. However, there
have never been sufficient funds
to undertake any but the most
pressing projects. Accordingly it
has not been possible to supple
ment the system sufficiently to
meet the increased load, or even
meet all the new requirements
that developed"
The 4,000-foot section of the
Rock Creek main trunk sewer
which is overf1owing was built in
1912, he noted. 1t apparently
was not intended to receive sub
stantial, flows from other than
the Pluehurst area, he said.
Apparent in 1949.
But this outlet was used. never
theless. after Maryland sewage
was introduced into the District
lines in 1924, although it must
have been realized it ultimately
would be inadequate. Gen. Robin
son pointed out.
Overflow due to surcharge in
the 4.000-foot section became ap-
parent in 1949, the letter said. At
the time. three manholes were
raised. correcting the overflow
during normal conditions.
1T was recognized then that
steps should be taken to increase
sewer capacity in this area" Gen.
Robinson wrote. But this area
was but one of many requiring
attention. Others appeared more
critical and. with the very limited
funds available. were given prior
ity."
The Rock Creek sewer was pro-
vided for. however, in the schedule
for 1856.
Deleted by Congress.
Gen. Robinson said also that
efforts were made to set up al
planning section to study the
whole system and find out what
was needed and when. He called
this a necessary first step to
adequate solution of the sewer
problems.
Funds for this planning have
been requested. but have been
deleted from appropriations by
Congress, he pointed out.
The Rock Creek problem became
more serious last March, and for
several months the sewer has been
overcharging more and more fire.
quently. Raw sewage overf1ows
the manho1e tops, although seven
Of them have been raised.
Manholes Lowered.
The Sewer Division today be-
gan the work of lowering the
manholes to relieve pressure onl
the overloaded line.
The measure was expected toI
increase the amount of raw sew
age overflow which has necessi-
tated closing of 19 picnic areas.
officials are fearful, however,