The City of Alexandria is replacing a manhole within Oronoco Street near between North Fairfax Street and Union Street in Old Town. The entire manhole structure will be replaced, and the new manhole will primarily be cast-in-place construction. During this time the Contractor will also be removing any coal tar contamination due to migration of coal tar in the soil and groundwater from the former Alexandria Town Gas plant site. The goal of the project is to prevent coal tar from entering the storm sewer and discharging into the Potomac River.

This project follows the lining of the storm sewer along Oronoco Street in Fall 2024. This lining project sealed the pipe such that coal tar could no longer migrate into the pipe. In February 2026, City staff began to see coal tar sheens at the stormwater outfall at the foot of Oronoco Street. The source of those sheens was a manhole located along the storm sewer. The lining contractor attempted to seal the leaks the manhole which only worked for a short period of time. The decision was then made to replace the entire manhole structure.

This project is part of the Consent Decree entered with Potomac Riverkeeper. 

Project Budget: $600,000

CIP Section: Community Development

Learn more about the City of Alexandria's Fiscal Year Budget.

• Design: June 2025 – November 2025
• Construction Procurement: December 2025 – April 2026
• Construction: June 2026 – October 2026