Noise Monitoring During Construction: As work with potential noise impact begins, WSSC Water's on-site quality control inspector will perform and record decibel monitoring multiple times per day. Readings are taken with a sound level meter 100 feet from the noise-generating equipment. If levels exceed 90dB at 100 feet, readings are documented, work is paused and corrective steps are taken before resuming work.
Background
The North Woodside Standpipe, located at 1945 Seminary Place in Silver Spring, Maryland. The standpipe was constructed in 1968 and has a storage capacity of approximately 7.5 million gallons. The standpipe is approximately 130 feet tall and 110 feet in diameter and plays a key role in maintaining water pressure and providing emergency storage for the community.
The purpose of this project is to repair and upgrade the standpipe through structural improvements, safety enhancements, and new protective coatings which will extend its service life and ensuring reliable water storage.
Project Scope
Site Work
Site improvements will support the operation and drainage of the standpipe facility, including replacing site piping, valves, and vaults; installing new overflow piping and a catch basin; and rehabilitating inlet and outlet vaults. Additional work includes concrete swales for stormwater management, site grading, paving restoration, upgrades to electrical and control systems, and final site restoration and landscaping to ensure long-term reliability and maintenance of the facility.
Structural
Due to the facility's age, the project includes structural improvements to the tank’s steel and concrete foundation. Areas of steel deterioration, including pitting and damaged plates, will be repaired using welding, steel replacement, pit filling, and cover plating. Access features such as ladders and balconies will be upgraded to meet current Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety requirements and American Water Works Association standards.
These improvements will extend the service life of the standpipe, enhance overall system performance, and provide safer access for WSSC Water personnel to inspect and maintain the facility.
Tank Coating
The tank will receive a new three-coat protective system for both the interior and exterior surfaces, consisting of an epoxy primer, an epoxy intermediate coat, and a polyurethane topcoat, with an expected service life of approximately 20–30 years. The interior coating will be National Science Foundation-certified for potable water use, while the exterior coating will meet WSSC Water standards. Existing coatings will be removed by abrasive blasting to properly prepare the steel surface for the new coating system.
Containment System
A Class 2-A containment system will be installed around the standpipe to manage debris and emissions during surface preparation and coating activities. This system will capture dust and particles generated during coating removal and minimize paint overspray during application. All waste materials will be properly handled and disposed of in accordance with OSHA, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and applicable environmental regulations.
Throughout construction, monitoring will be conducted to ensure that dust and any potentially hazardous materials remain contained within the work area and do not impact the surrounding environment, helping maintain compliance and protect public safety.
Community Impact
Most residents are not expected to experience water service interruptions during the project. Minor traffic impacts may occur due to construction vehicles and material deliveries; however, deliveries will be restricted between 8:15-10 a.m. and 2:30-4 p.m. to avoid school bus drop-off and pick-up times. Traffic control measures will be implemented as needed to maintain safe and efficient traffic flow in the area.
Construction activities may generate some noise from equipment and blasting operations. Erosion and sediment control measures, including silt fencing and a stabilized construction entrance, will be in place to protect the surrounding environment. Work is expected to occur during regular weekday hours, with possible overtime or weekend work as needed, in compliance with county noise regulations.
Additional Information
- June 2, 2026, Community Meeting Presentation (PDF 3.3 MB)
- Location map (PNG 1.02 MB)
- Estimated project schedule (PNG 155 KB)
Contact
Christopher DeHerde, WSSC Water Project Manager
- Telephone: 301-206-8560
- Email: [email protected]
Last Modified: June 17, 2026, 2:59 pm EDT