Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Venice Dual Force Main Sewer Project (VDFM)?
A: The Venice Dual Force Main Sewer Project is a two-mile long new 54-inch force sewer main that will operate as a parallel system in conjunction with the existing 48-inch force main. This pipeline provides system redundancy, increases capacity and allows for inspection and repair of both pipelines as needed.

Q: Why is it needed?
A: The new force main is needed to avert a potential sewage spill that could occur from an overflow or failure of the existing 60-year-old force main. This pipeline is currently being used to carry over 30 million gallons of wastewater each day to the Hyperion Wastewater Reclamation and Treatment Plant in Playa del Rey. This project will serve to strengthen the City of Los Angeles sewer infrastructure and protect public health and the environment for decades to come.

Q: Where is the alignment?
A: The new sewer pipe starts from the Venice Pumping Plant in Venice at Hurricane Street and Canal Court. It then continues to Marquesas Way and Via Dolce crossing the Venice canal, traveling eastward along Marquesas Way to Via Marina, to continue south along Via Marina to the Marina del Rey Channel. The sewer pipeline proceeds underneath the channel to Playa del Rey at Pacific Avenue and 62nd Avenue. Once in Playa del Rey, the pipe continues southbound on Pacific Avenue, crossing Culver Boulevard to Vista del Mar. On Vista del Mar the pipeline continues to a connection point at Waterview Street. The project sites are easily identifiable by the sound mitigating 16-foot beige walls enclosing each location.

Q: What is the project schedule?
A: Overall, the project as a whole is scheduled for completion during Spring of 2022; however, some locations will finish earlier. This could change due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. Please click here for the latest project status and schedule.

Q: What are the work hours?
A: Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Saturdays 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Night work, if required, will be from 7:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m. with advance notice.

Q: What is the construction method?
A: The project is being constructed through underground micro tunneling. Construction shafts (tunnel access points) are built at key locations along the 2-mile long alignment. Sewer pipe is then inserted through the micro tunnels to connect each access point. Micro tunneling consists of lowering a large drilling machine into the tunnel access points and then drilling horizontally beneath the ground to the receiving shaft. This method uses technological advancements to minimize community impacts such as traffic, noise, dust and vibration during the project as compared to traditional open-cut trenching.

Q: What is traditional open-cut trenching?
A: Open-cut trenching is a process which requires excavation and trenching of the entire alignment for manual installation of each piece of pipe. This more traditional method creates larger impacts to the community by requiring closures of all streets within the pipe installation areas.

Q: What are the project locations?
A: A tunnel access point is the underground entry point for tunneling to construct the new sewer. There are 10 original tunnel access points located on the alignment, as well as an Emergency Rescue Shaft (access point) that was later added. They are located at:

  • Hurricane Street at Canal Court
  • Via Dolce at Marquesas Way
  • Via Marina at Marquesas Way
  • Via Marina at Tahiti Way
  • Via Marina at Northwest Passage
  • County Beach Lot #13, corner of Via Marina at Old Harbor Lane
  • Pacific Avenue at 62nd Avenue
  • Pacific Avenue between 66th Avenue and Convoy Street
  • Pacific Avenue between Convoy Street and Culver Boulevard
  • Vista del Mar at Pacific Avenue
  • Vista del Mar between Waterview Street and Napoleon Street
Q: Will there be weekend or Saturday work?
A: Yes, there will be intermittent Saturday construction activities as needed. Saturday work hours are limited to 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. in Playa del Rey. 

Q: How many construction crews will be working at a time?
A: There will be multiple construction crews working at various locations during construction work hours.

Q: What safety measures are in place?
A: Safety is our top priority. LA Sanitation & Environment, the Bureau of Engineering, the Bureau of Contract Administration, Los Angeles Department of Transportation, and multiple safety representatives are working together to ensure a safe project.

 

 

For more information please contact us:


Venice Dual Force Main Sewer Project Outreach Contact:
Email: VeniceDualForceMain.SewerProject@lacity.org

For inquiries after 5:00 p.m. and on weekends, please call the
LA Sanitation & Environment Customer Care Center: (800) 773-2489

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lacitysan/

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