Water Plant Projects
August 13, 2010
I started the last update with "Wow, What a winter". Most of us thought winter was tough, how about this summer's heat and the many record breaking days we have seen. Some are calling this the hottest summer on record; however progress on site continued despite the extreme weather conditions encountered. The Construction Schedule remains on target as indicated in a report presented by Jim Pitzvada, Malcolm Pirnie's On-Site Representative. It has been 349 days since the project notice to proceed was granted and approximately 58.5% of the contract time has elapsed, leaving 231 days remaining for projected substantial completion of February 25, 2011.
Installation of forms, footers, foundations, and reinforcing steel continue for each structure on site. Over the past few weeks, construction crews have trenched and bedded over 3000 feet of process piping, including water, waste, and air lines. Bringing pipe installation totals to surpass 10,000 feet with more to install. To date, workers have poured more than 2,400 cubic yards of concrete with several large areas remaining to pour.
On June 22nd, a Port-A-Dam was installed in the river to divert stream flows from the construction area, which allowed workers to begin construction of a Source Water Intake Structure. Work schedules were under very tight time restraints set by state and federal agencies and weather was certainly an obstacle as flooding could have adversely affected the project, but was not an issue. As deadlines approach, workers have began the Port-A-Dam removal process and will complete it within a few days. Last week, workers completed the Ram Drive water line extension and tie-in project and asphalt crews finished repairs to the affected area.
September is closely approaching and we anticipate more utility advancements toward the water plant site that may affect the Ram Drive area at our entrance. Utility crews are scheduled to begin these advancements within a few days. Efforts are being made to complete these installations prior to the beginning of the new school year. Traffic in this area may be limited to one lane of travel at times with travel delays expected.
In addition to the new water treatment plant project, several projects were completed, one of which was the resurfacing of our 250,000 gallon water storage tank in the center of town. This tank was constructed by Pittsburg des Moines Steel Complany in 1936 and has been in use almost 75 years now. Workers performed preventive maintenance on our tank and removed loose paint flakes and machined several surfaces before priming and painting the entire tank. Several work days were rescheduled as threatening clouds and a few storms prevented crews from prepping, priming, and painting the structure. However, they were able to complete the project in just over a month.
We urge anyone partaking in the recreational use of The River Walk Trail to remain on the designated walking trail and away from construction areas. Most of you are aware; construction areas are very dangerous places and injury could result if proper safety procedures are not followed closely.
We greatly appreciate your patience during the construction of this project and I will try to update the web site with pictures as developments arise.
Christopher Ritenour
Chief operator
