Residents of Woodland Heights received a briefing Wednesday night on a future project that will make a considerable impact on the amount of sewage that flows into the James River.

The city would like to begin work in 2027 on a 3-year project that will build a 6 million gallon tank underneath Canoe Run Park.

Each year, there are approximately 37 "overflow events" that result in sewage being released into the river. After the tank is constructed, the number will fall to a projected 10 events.

The first long-term plan to reduce sewage overflow was developed in 1988, and in 2020 the state released grant money to accelerate the process.

The Canoe Run Park project is expected to receive $100 million in grant funding. The final total hasn't yet been determined, but could rise as high as $140 million.

Richmond DPU Director Scott Morris described it as a "capstone" project of the effort during Wednesday night's meeting.

When work begins, it will be a major operation.

It will take roughly 10,000 truck loads to remove the dirt and rock currently occupying the space, which needs to be excavated.

DPU officials also described an "odor-control facility," which will work to contain potentially unpleasant smells.

While the park will mostly be closed during construction, efforts will be made to keep the playground on the site open.

When the project is finished, the tank will be underground, and the green space will be restored.

Contact Michael Phillips at mphillips@richmonder.org.