MSD has completed both studies it commissioned to evaluate the cluster of sewer backups (SBUs) and flooded manholes in the heart of Hyde Park (known as the Linwood-Observatory Studies).

The first study (PDF) pursued a stormwater-only tunnel to convey stormwater separated from the local combined sewer system to a receiving water body. Five different alignments were considered with tunnels ranging from 9.5’ to 10’ in diameter and over two miles long. Costs run into the hundreds of millions of dollars.

The second study (optimized PDF) looked at other opportunities like detention on both public and private property, as well as infiltration (green infrastructure) opportunities.