Summer/Fall 2025 Project Update
Following the completion of the 4-million-gallon stormwater storage tank earlier this year, crews have been working on the two other major components of this project–the pump house itself and the critical connection to the MBTA’s drainage capacity.
More on each of these efforts, as well as a virtual tour of the project are included below.
As always if you have questions about the project, please email construction@somervillema.gov or call the Engineering Division at (617) 625-6600 ext. 5400.
Building the Pump House
Since completion of the tank, the majority of the work at 10 Poplar Street has been focused on building the concrete home of a set of pumps with the ability to move up to 50 million gallons of stormwater in a day. Over the last 6+ months, crews have
excavated the portion of the site where the pumps will sit
installed a concrete slab floor
begun installation of concrete vault wall intended to surround the pumps (currently underway)
In addition to the concrete floor, roof, and walls, the pump station will also include a control center that will help the City manage its stormwater assets, ensure the pumps can function efficiently during heavy rain, and remain in good working order.
 Excavation for the Pump House |
 Contractors prepare to pour the pump house slab floor.
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Why do we need a pump?
This project enables the City to connect to the nearby MBTA drainage system–expanding capacity and delivering a range of benefits (more on that below). However, the MBTA system drainage system is higher than the City’s, so we need a pump to that stormwater up approximately 45 feet to facilitate the connection.
Connection to the MBTA’s Drainage System
Elsewhere in the neighborhood, crews are working to connect the City’s new stormwater utilities, built to transport water from the pump station, to the MBTA’s drainage systems underneath Green Line Extension.
Connecting into the MBTA’s system is a major project milestone. In fact, the entire project depends on the additional capacity gained through this connection to unlock key benefits including:
- Flood reduction across Wards Two and Three
- Healthier water ways by reducing discharge of sewage (CSOs) to nearby waterways during heavy storms
- Expanding capacity for development throughout the city
This connection is expected to be complete by the end of this fall.
Location of the future (underground) connection between the City's stormwater utilities and the MBTA's drainage system alongside the tracks in the Brickbottom neighborhood.Take a Tour of the Project
Want to learn more and get inside the tank (virtually), check out this virtual tour of the project hosted by Somerville’s Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management, Rich Raiche.
Questions?
As always if you have questions about the project, please email construction@somervillema.gov or call the Engineering Division at (617) 625-6600 ext. 5400.
