facilities renewal master plan - National Zoo - Smithsonian Institution

FACILITIES MASTER PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
Water (Domestic and Fire)
The water service at the National Zoo is divided into two systems: (1) the Main Water
Distribution System (MWDS) serving the largest portion of the National Zoo, including
all of the public spaces; and (2) the Annex Distribution Water System (ADWS) serving
the hospital. The MWD is divided into two zones, the upper served from Connecticut
Avenue and the lower from Harvard Street. While the two zones are connected, the
interconnection valve is currently opened.
The largest distribution pipe within the National Zoo has a diameter of ten inches, with
the majority of the system consisting of six-inch and smaller piping. For reference,
modern development standards for developments of similar size would include twelve to
sixteen inch distribution mains with eight to twelve inch looped connections. Much of
the existing piping dates to pre-1940 (some to 1891) and there hasn’t been a major
renovation or replacement of the original piping. The typical design life for a modern
water distribution system is generally 50 to 75 years, suggesting that the majority of the
system at the National Zoo is in a state of advanced deterioration. Over time, the insides
of the pipe become constricted for multiple reasons and the water flow decreases.
Both the condition and capacity of the existing water system are poor. There are an
inadequate number of fire hydrants and there is insufficient water supply.
Impacts to Infrastructure
No-Action Alternative
Under the No-Action Alternative, there would be no change in operations or new
facilities that would have an effect on existing infrastructure. The National Zoo would
continue to make improvements as needed to keep the National Zoo functional and
operational. The No-Action Alternative would have no impact on existing infrastructure.
Alternatives A, B and C
Under Alternatives A, B, and C, facility improvements would result in revitalization of
older exhibits including renovation of exhibits, revitalization of entrances, installation of
new transportation facilities, and construction of new administrative facilities. Facility
and exhibit renewal activities are confined to the existing Rock Creek site. As more
detailed programming, planning, and preliminary design of improvements to each portion
of the National Zoo is completed, SI would coordinate with the appropriate utilities to
identify daily demand, peak demand, and supply. These enhancements would give the
National Zoo in some cases an opportunity to enhance utilities and other infrastructure
with the revitalization of older exhibits and structures. There are no activities that have
been identified at the master planning stages that would cause an adverse impact on
existing infrastructure outside the National Zoo property; however, additional study
would occur during project planning and design for utility and other infrastructure needs.
C.7 Visitor Use and Experience
In August 2005, ORCA Consulting Group conducted a study to assess National Zoo
visitor use during a regular day. Based on the data gathered during this study the
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