For your information, the fencing and temporary shed necessary to begin Phase 1 of the Second Street Utility Tunnel Repair Project is now being installed in Folger Park.  Installation of the fence began on June 5, and the shed will be erected beginning June 9 and remain for approximately 2 months.

As was discussed at the community meeting hosted by the Office of the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) on January 16, the repairs to the utility tunnel under Second Street will consist of two efforts.  The first phase of the work involves removing asbestos containing materials from the pipes inside the utility tunnel.  As we noted then, these materials will be abated prior to our starting the second phase, which involves excavating the street and repairing the utility tunnel.   

In January, the preliminary project planning for the asbestos abatement work was underway and the requirements for the project had not yet been identified.  This spring, the AOC identified the need to erect a temporary shed over a grate in the northwest corner of Folger Park near Second Street to ensure the safety of those working in the utility tunnel.

It is important to note that during this first phase of the project that, other than the temporary shed in Folger Park, we expect the work to have no impact on the neighborhood.  No asbestos abatement work will be performed in the shed.  It is strictly there to provide workers with controlled, secure access to/from the utility tunnel, and most importantly, provide them safety and shelter from the weather and from high temperatures inside the tunnels.  

The following information about Phase 1 of the project is provided to answer the anticipated questions.  Should you have additional questions, please contact Eva Malecki, AOC Communications Officer at (202) 228-1793 or by e-mail, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or visit http://www.aoc.gov/aoc/press-room/index.cfm.

Information about Phase 1 of the Second Street Utility Tunnel Repair Project and the Temporary Shed in Folger Park

Phase 1 of the Project involves removing asbestos containing materials from pipes located inside the utility tunnel and re-insulating existing utility piping with non-asbestos insulation materials.  This is in preparation for the structural repair work slated for later this summer.

Asbestos Abatement: Removal of insulation from pipes inside the utility tunnel will not constitute a hazard to the health of individuals in or outside the work area as it is performed and monitored under Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), AOC, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Office of Compliance, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ requirements.  The contractor performing asbestos removal will construct a sealed barrier around its work zone, establish negative air flow in the work area so all air is filtered by HEPA filters prior to leaving the work area, and bag and seal all waste that leaves the work area.  All work is monitored by a third-party, certified industrial hygienist in addition to inspections by government inspectors. 

All workers are trained in asbestos removal, wear appropriate personal protective equipment while removing asbestos, and are required to follow decontamination procedures including showering before leaving the work area. No asbestos containing material will be removed through the temporary shed.

Purpose of the Temporary Shed in Folger Park:  To provide controlled access for workers entering and leaving the utility tunnel work area. (No work is performed in the shed itself and no asbestos containing materials will be removed through the shed.)

The 16’ x 28’ temporary shed will provide a shelter from the weather as well as from the high temperatures of the work area.  Inside the shed will be a closed shower facility for workers’ use. Waste water will be contained and removed from the site. Some personal protective equipment and hand tools will be brought into the tunnels via the shed.

The shed will be located above the grate at the northwest corner of Folger Park near the intersection of D and Second Streets, S.E.  It will be enclosed by a temporary, chain link fence.  Outside lighting, similar to motion-detection fixtures that are found on neighborhood homes and garages, will provide security and illuminate the shed entrance.  These lights will face toward the park, away from residences.   The shed will be used for approximately eight weeks.

Work Hours:  Work will be conducted underground between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., and between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m., with careful observance of the District’s noise ordinances.  Work will not be audible at or above street level.

Working two shifts will significantly cut the overall duration of the project.  More importantly, it minimizes the time that steam pipes are bare, thereby reducing temperatures in the tunnels.  This is important to reduce heat stress on workers.  Residents will observe little or no activity from the shed except when workers report for duty, take rest breaks, or when they leave.

Parking:  Contractors are prohibited from parking in the neighborhood.