Water woes continue to plague the Spring Avenue project

Winter may bring Spring Avenue project to a halt

In April, the Carbon County Impact Joint Powers Board (CCIJPB) reviewed details of the Spring Avenue water line replacement project with T-O Engineers. This project involves replacing 1,800 feet of waterline from the old water treatment plant on South River to the intersection of 3rd and Spring Avenue.

When the project was in planning stages, the engineers saw the project as fairly straightforward. The main concern was supply chain shortages for materials such as 10 inch pipe, and fire hydrants. Because of the possible shortage of materials, the town agreed to put in a procurement order for the entire job rather than try to do it in phases throughout summer.

Ground water was not mentioned in the possible challenges.

This project, which is funded through the specific purpose tax voters approved, will cost approximately $1.6 million. This includes $734,000 for water line replacement and $930,000 for street restoration and repaving.

Lewis and Lewis, contractor, removed the Spring Avenue road surface from 3rd street all the way to the road in front of Town hall. They have installed 260 feet of 12 inch water line. They dug the bore pit which would allow Coleman Construction to tunnel under First Street in order to run water line from east to west.

Work was halted due to groundwater accumulation in the bore pit. Saratoga Director of Public Works, Jon Winter, said the contractor was aware that ground water could and would be an issue before the work began.

The contractor gave the town a budget they thought would cover the project. Construction Management at Risk (CMAR) contract is in place so the contractor will be responsible for costs if they go over the original guaranteed maximum price.

The CCIJPB said that Lewis and Lewis has spent around $500,000 trying to control the ground water. They can't pump the groundwater into the river without a permit from the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), which they have. All sediment and debris must meet Department of Environmental Quality discharge standards before they are pumped. Rain for Rent was hired to help remove the groundwater.

At Tuesday's weekly meeting with the Town on September 27, T-O Engineering and Lewis and Lewis contractor said ground water is still a major issue. Coleman Construction left at the end of the week, but will be back in early October.

The contractor will continue to pump the bore pit dry. The Town has asked for a recovery plan from Lewis and Lewis to find out when and how the contractor intends to complete the job. Josh Morris of T-O Engineering, wants more detailed weekly reports .

The bore is the key to the project. If they can't get under First Street, the contractor will need to move their operation across First Street or wrap up for the season.

Lewis and Lewis is trying to get as much pipe work done as possible before winter comes so they can focus on getting the roads paved. If needed, temporary pavement will be placed. It should last until they can start work again in spring.

 

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