Tuesday, 17 March 2009 01:05
AWA/Plymouth Pipeline Project
Amador County – The Amador Water Agency Board of Directors heard news last week that pipe was being buried and ground had already been broken for its partnership project, the Plymouth Water Pipeline. Engineering Manager Gene Mancebo said “most of the work is being focused in the Plymouth area, near the city water storage tank.” He said the contractor has been doing quite a bit of work, and has started with “Segment 6,” which is the length of the pipeline that connects to the storage tank. Mancebo said work includes roughing-in along the cross country terrain for preparation to lay the pipeline. He said they have been installing pipe and the weather has been cooperating. The ceremonial grand opening was rescheduled, due to weather. Mancebo said line improvements in Sutter Creek were nearing an end, entering last week with 20 feet more of pipeline left to install. Workers also relocated a fire hydrant, upgrading an old-fashioned, 2-inch pipe and spigot, with a new hydrant. They will also put in another hydrant at the intersection of Badger and Allen Ranch Roads. Work has encountered rock, and replaced corroded pipes. Mancebo said, “in short, I think our crews have done an outstanding job in light of the obstacles.” He said the project was authorized by the AWA board for $170,000 dollars and “we’re estimating that it’s going to cost $195,000 dollars,” with a little less than a 10-percent cost overrun. Mancebo said both he and Operations Manager Chris McKeage will be attending a water reuse seminar, which will go toward reclamation projects for the agency. Board member Bill Condrashoff asked why the Sutter Creek pipes were wrapped in plastic. Mancebo said it was done to protect nuts and bolts on the pipes, when they are secured with concrete, when needed. It can also be used to project the pipes when the ground is corrosive in nature. AWA’s next regular board meeting is next Thursday, while the Quarterly meeting of the Central Amador Water Project is this week, meeting 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Volcano Communications Center in Pine Grove. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.