Deep Sewer Tunnel Cleaning Project

Project 819016

Project Description

Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (Met Council) is cleaning large diameter sanitary sewer pipes at six sites in the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul. This work began in 2021 and will be completed in summer 2026.
 
Cleaning activities include:

  • Inspecting the pipes with CCTV and sonar equipment to confirm quantities and locations where debris will be removed
  • Cleaning the pipes using high-velocity water jetting equipment and removing debris with pumps
  • Drying the debris and hauling it to a licensed landfill.

Jetting and debris removal will be conducted through existing access structures with minimal surface disruption and pavement restoration. Work will be conducted in existing rights-of-way under traffic or overnight to minimize traffic disruption. 

Overall project map with four areas highlighted: Downtown Minneapolis, Boom Island Park, and East River Parkway in Minneapolis, and Irving Park in Saint Paul.
 

BF Nelson Park, Minneapolis

Cleaning the sewer pipe along Main Street between BF Nelson Park and 1st Avenue began January 2026. 

Cleaning takes place Monday through Saturday between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. 

This work is estimated to be completed in summer 2026. After cleaning activities are completed, any disturbed areas in the park will be restored.

Cleaning will occur Monday through Saturday between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
 

Cleaning Process

To clean the sewer pipes, one crew will use special equipment with hoses to jet water through the pipes and another crew will remove the debris and haul it to a licensed landfill. Crews will need to move this setup to several different locations to clean the sewer pipe in this area.

Once the hoses are set up at a maintenance access structure, they will remain in place until cleaning has been completed at each location. 

We will continue to do our best to mitigate noise and odors, but you will experience more noise and odors than usual while crews clean the sewer structures and pipes.

Photo of orange sewer cleaning equipment
 


Project Updates

Project Update - August 7, 2026 (PDF) 209 kB

Project Update - July 17, 2026 (PDF) 252 kB

Project Update - June 29, 2026 (PDF) 207 kB

Project Update - December 23, 2025 (PDF) 308 kB

Project Update - June 6, 2025 (PDF) 224 kB

Project Staff

 

Project Manager: Jeff Schwarz, Area Project Manager, Interceptor Engineering
Council's Authorized Representative: Jennifer Adams, Principal Contract Administrator, Construction Services
 

Project Contacts

For information, please contact:
 
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 612-930-4423

 

Capital Improvement Program
Contact us
  • For more information, please contact:

    Email: Info@DeepTunnelCleaningProject.com

    Phone: 612-930-4423

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