MORGANTOWN – The Morgantown Utility Board (MUB) is refocusing its efforts toward the lower section of Popenoe Run following the successful completion of the upper Popenoe Run restoration project. On October 3, 2023, MUB approved a task order valued at $72,000 for the Thrasher Group to conduct a preliminary engineering report and hydraulic study of the lower stream area, specifically along Patteson Drive and into Krepps Park.
During the meeting, MUB General Manager Mike McNulty stated, “Thrasher will evaluate the condition of the existing stormwater system from the WVU Alumni [Center] Pond and will also assess upstream conditions as part of the hydraulic analysis.” He highlighted that there have been ongoing issues with sinkholes in the area due to the deterioration of stormwater piping and sloughing along the open channel.
McNulty addressed concerns regarding whether future work on lower Popenoe Run would alleviate flooding in parts of Suncrest near Krepps Park. He mentioned that it is premature to draw conclusions until Thrasher’s report is available. However, he expressed optimism, noting, “I definitely believe that what we just completed is going to have a very positive impact on all the downstream residences.”
The Popenoe Run watershed has garnered attention since the significant flooding events of summer 2021. As part of the recently completed $3.28 million upper Popenoe Run project, Laurita Excavating replaced 3,500 feet of sewer main and 1,000 feet of service laterals, constructed 33 manholes, and installed 560 feet of storm main along with five new inlets. The project also included the rehabilitation of the culvert beneath Hoffman Avenue, reshaping and restoring 3,000 feet of stream, and planting over 200 trees.
New Projects Approved by MUB
In addition to the Popenoe Run initiative, MUB approved bids for three additional projects totaling just over $627,000. The first project will support the Neely Village Development located off Fairchance Road, involving the installation of 1,677 feet of gravity sewer main. Parrotta Paving has been awarded a contract worth $268,691.67 to carry out this work.
Parrotta Paving will also undertake a separate project valued at $128,904, which involves the installation of 626 feet of eight-inch gravity sewer main, 230 feet of eight-inch water line, and 75 feet of two-inch water line to serve the Woodford Oil maintenance facility in the Chaplin Hill Business Park.
The third initiative, awarded to the B.C. Allen Company for $229,567, is the opening phase of a sewer project serving the Willow Springs development off Brand Road. This project will include the installation of 1,399 feet of eight-inch gravity sewer main along with the placement of 10 manholes.
The meeting concluded with the board discussing the annual evaluation of General Manager McNulty, following which it was announced that he would receive a 3% cost of living raise, consistent with adjustments made for all MUB employees as part of the budgeting process.
Overall, MUB’s proactive approach in addressing both current and future water management issues in Morgantown reflects a commitment to enhancing infrastructure and improving community resilience against flooding.
