The new sewer will minimize sanitary sewer flows into the Little Calumet River by diverting combined sewer overflow from the Sanitary District’s overflow pump stations. This will improve the river’s water quality, enhance the long term vitality of the river’s broader ecosystem, and help prevent basement flooding in a residential neighborhood adjacent to the project area.

Because the project was partially funded through the federal Water Resources Development Act, the Chicago District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) provided oversight for project administration and construction. This required the project design process to adhere to rigorous USACE standards for design analysis, quality assurance, and value engineering. A significant degree of coordination with the City of Hammond, the Town of Munster, Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO), Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District and both the Illinois and Indiana Departments of Transportation was a project hallmark. The project was also distinguished by being put into service eight months ahead of schedule.

The Construction Advancement Foundation of Northwest Indiana recognizes contractors and construction projects that pay special attention to worker safety and project efficiency.

Read more about the Little Calumet River Combined Sewer Overflow