Morse-Mink Geotechnical Investigation
The City of New Albany is in the early planning stages for a new sewer project named the Morse-Mink Express Sewer (MME). This project will move wastewater from the northeastern part of New Albany to the main sewer line in the City of Columbus. The MME sewer will be approximately 8 miles long and will mostly follow existing roads. Special underground shafts will be built along the way to help with the construction and to connect local sewers. The goal during this planning phase is to limit any disruption to the surface outside of the areas where these shafts will be.
As part of the early planning work, engineers will check the soil in the area to help decide the best path for the sewer. This will involve drilling into the ground along Morse Road, Mink Street, and Harrison Road to study the ground conditions. The first phase of this work will begin in March 2025 and end in July 2025. The drilling equipment will be located next to roadways when possible and each drilling location will take about 5 days to complete. Once finished, the site will be restored to its original condition. Some borings will be converted into temporary monitoring wells to measure groundwater levels and collect samples. These wells will be removed, and the sites restored before the project is complete.
The contractor performing the work will obtain all the necessary permits and inform property owners before any work begins with 48-hour door hangers.
The City plans to finish the planning phase of the MME project by December 2025. After that, the detailed design phase is planned to be completed by December 2026, with construction expected to occur between 2027 and 2032.
Throughout the project, the City and its design team (EMH&T) will keep you updated on progress and any upcoming fieldwork in your vicinity. If you have any questions or concerns about the MME sewer project, please contact City Engineer Justin Wilkinson at jwilkinson@newalbanyohio.org or 614.939.2236 for more information.
The photos depict boring rigs used for the geotechnical investigation.
The investigation corridor is shown on the map in purple. Download the investigation corridor PDF.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the purpose of the geotechnical investigation?
The geotechnical investigation is a critical first step in planning the Morse-Mink Express Sewer project, ensuring the City of New Albany can provide reliable, efficient sewer services as the community grows. The investigation helps engineers evaluate underground conditions by taking soil borings and rock core samples. This information is critical to determining the best alignment for the sewer and identifying locations for access shafts.
What is a geotechnical boring?
A geotechnical boring involves drilling a small hole into the ground to collect soil and rock samples. These samples provide data on the physical and geotechnical properties of the soil and rock, ensuring the site is suitable for the project.
What are groundwater monitoring wells, and why are they needed?
Some borings will be converted into temporary monitoring wells to measure groundwater levels and collect samples. This helps assess water conditions in the area. These wells will be removed, and the sites restored before the project is complete.
Where and when will this work happen?
• Timeline: Phase 1 of the investigation is scheduled to begin in Q1 2025 and continue into Q2 2025. There will likely be a second phase to acquire additional data.
• Locations: The work will take place along the planned alignment for the Morse-Mink Express Sewer. Exact locations will involve designated boring and monitoring sites.
How long will the boring rigs be present at each site?
Sampling rigs are expected to remain at each location for about 1 to 2 weeks. However, this timeframe may vary depending on weather, field conditions, and equipment availability.
Will this work cause any disruption to the community?
While the investigation might involve the presence of equipment and crews, we will prioritize minimizing impacts to traffic. Equipment operation will be restricted to daytime hours to limit noise impacts. After the work is complete, all boring sites will be restored to their original condition.
What happens after the geotechnical investigation is finished?
Once this phase is complete, a hydrogeological investigation will follow to gather additional data on groundwater conditions. The findings from both investigations will guide future planning and construction phases.
Who is conducting the work?
The City of New Albany is working with EMH&T, a local design engineer; and Aldea Services, an underground construction expert, to manage the investigations. The work will be performed by three local boring companies.
How can I learn more or ask additional questions?
Residents with questions or concerns can reach out to City Engineer Justin Wilkinson at jwilkinson@newalbanyohio.org or 614.939.2236 for more information. The City will keep residents and businesses informed about the project’s progress and any updates to the investigation schedule.