Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services starts several new projects each year to improve and protect the water quality of local streams. At the very beginning, a potential project is evaluated to determine if it is feasible and will continue on through the planning, design and construction phases.
During this feasibility phase, several things occur:
- Environmental conditions are assessed.
- Surveys of potentially involved properties are conducted.
- Measurements of water quality and aquatic habitat may be taken.
- An evaluation of the drainage system's location and condition is conducted.
- Properties where easements might be needed are identified and staff discusses and acquires easements from property owners.
- A conceptual level design effort may occur.
- A cost analysis is conducted to determine if the project meets Storm Water Services' standards and program goals.
It is important to note:
- The feasibility phase is used to determine if a project is viable and will continue on further. There is no certainty that the project will move on to construction.
- Sometimes Storm Water Services utilizes consultants to perform feasibility analyzes including water quality monitoring or surveying. Property owners may see these consultants working in the area.
- Typically, there will not be any construction activity or heavy equipment used during the feasibility phase.
- The feasibility phase of a project can range from six months to a year, or longer depending on the scale of the project and the time it takes to acquire easements.