HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/21/1995, 4 - PILOT PROGRAM FOR INVESTIGATION OF PRIVATE SERVICE LATERALS. �I MEETING DATE:
city Of San LJIS OBISPO March 21, 1995
i COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT 1TEM NUMBER:
FROM: John Moss /11 PREPARED By: Dan Boyd, Wastewater Collection Supervisor
Utilities Wector David Hix, Wastewater Division Manager
SUBJECT:
Pilot Program for Investigation of Private Service Laterals.
CAO RECOMMENDATION
By motion, approve Pilot Program for Wastewater Service Lateral evaluation and direct staff to
prepare appropriate documents for consideration in the 1995-97 budget.
DISCUSSION
The City's wastewater collection system and Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) have long been
experiencing problems with excessive wet weather Infiltration and Inflow (I/1). I/I interferes with
the WRF's treatment ability by hydraulically overwhelming its processes causing effluent violations
and the release of partially treated wastewater to San Luis Obispo Creek. The City's collection
system experiences surcharging and runs the risk of periodic sewage overflows.
In August 1994, staff presented to Council findings of a comprehensive investigation performed on
drainage basin "B". Staff determined that privately owned service laterals were the largest
contributor of infiltration in that area. At that time Council directed staff to return with a program
that will begin evaluation of methods to correct and/or manage the private service laterals.
The proposed program will look at roughly 10% of the service laterals in drainage area B and
evaluate their condition. This pilot program will allow staff to effectively evaluate the problems in
the private service laterals. Using this information staff will be able to better identify the methods
for effective correction and/or management practices of the private service laterals in all of area B.
A program for correction for the entire basin will then be proposed to Council for approval and
funding.
• The Pilot Program
Service laterals in the City are entirely privately owned. The property owners are responsible for
maintenance and repair of the lateral from the structure to the City main line. As noted in staff's
August 1994 report, a significant portion of the I/I in area B is coming from the service laterals.
Based on an average length of 50 feet per service lateral and 601 service connections, this equates to
approximately 5.7 miles of private service laterals in area B.
Inspection of 60 service laterals should give the City a good understanding of the types of problems
in the service laterals. Staff will randomly select the sixty laterals in order to obtain a representative
sample of the entire area. The program will have five components; developing agreements with the
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COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Pilot Program
Page 2
sixty property owners, physically locating each lateral, installation of cleanouts for inspection of the
lateral, cleaning and video inspection, and evaluation. The sixty property owners will be given all
pertinent background information regarding UI in the City, in their neighborhood and pilot program
information. If a property owner is unwilling participate in the program then another property will
be selected.
Lateral locating, cleanout installation and cleaning services will all be performed by a licensed
plumbing contractor provided by the City. The contractor will locate the lateral, install a cleanout
next to the structure to provide video inspection access, and clean the lateral to provide a clean
interior for optimal video inspection. Staff recommends use of a private contractor to perform this
work because it resolves public vs. private liability and competition issues concerning work on
private facilities and plumbing contractors posses the tools and expertise to perform the work.
After a lateral has been located, had the cleanout installed and is adequately cleaned, City staff will
perform the video inspection. Existing Wastewater Collection staff have had extensive training and
are experienced in operating sewer video equipment. Currently the City does not posses a video
camera small enough to inspect four inch.-sewer laterals. Implementation of this portion of the
program will require the City to purchase a service lateral video inspection system. Use of a video
contractor for this portion would not be economical and would limit staffs flexibility for scheduling
cleaning and video inspection. Purchase of the video inspection system is a one time cost and can
be used on future UI projects and programs and can also be used with the City's existing video
equipment to complement our mainline inspection capabilities.
Laterals will be evaluated for defects that contribute to UI such as cracks, offset joints, breaks and
holes. Other criteria that suggest I/I such as root intrusion and types of material(s) will also be
utilized. Staff will identify the best method of correction dependent upon the findings for each
lateral. Correction methods may include "point repairs" or small repairs at one or two specific
locations on the lateral, replacement of a portion or replacement of the entire lateral. Staff will
prepare an estimate for cost of correction per each lateral considering the most effective and
economical method.
After all evaluations have been made, staff will present the results of the pilot program and propose
alternatives for correction and/or management of the private service laterals in drainage basin "B".
The report containing this information should be ready sometime in the Spring of 1996. This
program will begin to address the I/I problems identified in the City's Wastewater Management Plan
and the recent investigation summarized in staff's August 1994 Council report. Staff feels that this
program will effectively evaluate the service laterals using a cost effective small scale method that
utilizes the skills of private contractors and City staff. Additionally the information from this pilot
study will be used to develop a service lateral rehabilitation program which will then be
recommended for application to the entire City.
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COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Pilot Program
Page 3
FISCAL EMPACT
The estimated cost for this program is detailed below:
Eauin
Lateral Video Inspection System $259000
Contract Services:
Breakdown of per item cost for lateral:
Locate lateral: $100
Install cleanout on lateral: $300
Clean lateral: $1100
Total to locate, install cleanout and clean per lateral: $500
Total Cost to Prepare Sixty Laterals for Inspection $30,000
15% Contingency $8.250
Total Cost $639250
The estimated cost for the program is $63,250 and will be identified in the 1995-97 capitol
improvement plan for Wastewater Collection.
Staff time for inspections and evaluations will be worked into the wastewater collection's I/I crew
schedule. Some cost savings may be experienced because not every lateral will need to be located
or requires a cleanout.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Take no action. This alternative is not recommended. Private service laterals have been
identified as the most significant of source of I/I in.area B. The laterals need to be evaluated
so staff can determine the best method(s) for correction and/or management. Because the
majority of the laterals are believed to be at least 35 years old and constructed of inferior
materials, taking no action will result in further lateral degradation and increased 1/I.
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COUNCILAGENDA
Pilot Program
Page 4
2. . Tuve contractors or staff perform all the work and inspections outlined in this'report. This
action is not.recommended. Staff believes the proposed program offers the most effective
and economical combination of private contractors.and City staff.
Attachment
_ h.\PILOTREH.rsr
ATTACP T MEETING DATE:
IIIII�I�I��Q�IIIII�I��� � ,� CIt/ Of Sall LUIS OBISPO july 19 2 994
REM NUMBER:
1 COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
From: John Moss Prepared by: Dan Boyd
Utilities Nektor Wastewater Collection Supervisor
SUBJECT: Wastewater Drainage Basin B Infiltration and Inflow Investigation
CAO RECOMMENDATION
By motion, receive report concerning Wastewater Drainage Basin B Infiltration and Inflow
investigation results and direct staff to develop and return to Council with a service lateral
investigation and rehabilitation program.
DISCUSSION
The City's wastewater collection system and water reclamation facility has long been
experiencing problems with excessive wet weather Infiltration and Inflow (I/1). The I/I has
caused problems with the water reclamation and treatment processes, surcharging, overflows,
effluent violations and the release of partially treated wastewater to the creek due to hydraulic
overloading.
In July 1989, Council directed staff to work towards elimination of UI rather than designing and
constructing the phase II relief sewer project.
The collection system is divided into fourteen I/I drainage basins (A-N). An I/I study,
performed by Brown and Caldwell Engineers in 1987, indicated that the more significant
contribution of UI was coming from drainage basins B,D,E,F and H. Subsequently, drainage
basin "B" was selected as the first target basin to be investigated. The investigation consisted
of smoke testing, video inspection, dry and wet weather flow monitoring, physical inspection
and dye testing.
LI INVESTIGATION COMPONENTS AND RESULTS
• Smoke Testing
Smoke testing shows pipe leaks that are located under permeable surface materials such
as open fields and lawn areas, inflow sources such as storm drains, roof drains etc.
connected directly to the sewer system, and waste and vent systems that are not working
properly. The majority of the privately owned upper service lateral system (building to
property line) is located under permeable surface material. The majority of the lower
service lateral system (property line to City sewer main) and public sewer system is
located under impermeable surface material (asphalt and/or concrete). Subsequently the
smoke test works well for identifying leaks in the upper service laterals and those few
public sewers located under permeable material (mostly easement areas), but does not
work well for the lower service laterals and the majority of the public sewer that is
located under impermeable surfaces.
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COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
I Investigation Components and Results
page 2
• Smoke Testing Result
The smoke testing performed in drainage basin B tested 601 service laterals and 32,731'
feet of public sewer. The smoke testing is accomplished by isolating a section of pipe
(manhole to manhole) and pressurizing the pipe with air and srhoke. The smoke is
forced through the sewer mains, service laterals, service lateral vent pipes and any
cracks, offset joints etc. located in the collection system.
The result of smoke testing the service laterals indicated that 10.1% of the service
laterals leaked and 15.1% displayed no smoke through the vent system. No smoke
through the vent pipes indicates other problems, such as, improperly vented waste pipes,
a p-trap in the primary service lateral, and/or. the primary service lateral not being
installed at the proper grade. The smoke testing results thus indicate 25.2% of the
service laterals tested had some problems. .
The public sewer system not covered by impermeable material also showed some
deficiencies. A less significant number of leaks were identified in the public sewer
system. A majority of the manholes tested leaked because of age and design but appear
to be a less significant source of III because of their location in the drainage area.
Only a few inflow sources, a roof drain, floor drain and storm drain, were identified.
These inflow sources have been corrected.
• Video Inspection
Video inspection identifies pipe defects such as offset joints, root intrusion, cracks,
broken pipe, etc. The video inspection also identifies tap.locations (point of service
lateral connection to the City mainline), infiltration of water from defects, pipe material,
pipe length, and many other'important factors related to the inspection Video inspection
was only performed on sewer main lines. Additional specialized equipment will be
required to perform video inspection on private service laterals.
• Video Inspection Results
The video inspection consisted of inspecting 36,442' feet of public sewer. Root intrusion
was the most significant problem identified but does not appear to create a significant
source of III in the public sewer system. Numerous structural defect were identified but
also do not appear to create a significant source of I/I in the public sewer system. It is
assumed this is the case because the majority of the public sewer system is located under
impermeable surfaces. Infiltration of ground water.(as opposed to rainfall dependent Un
does not appear to be a problem in basin B. The video inspection did reveal 708 tap
locations (not capped) as active services. 601 service laterals were confirmed as the
11'iNV111 city of son LUIS oBispo
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
1/1 Investigation Components and Results
Page 3
actual number of services in drainage basin B. Subsequently, there are 107 service
laterals that may have been improperly abandoned and may be a significant source of 1JI.
The video inspection also revealed that 11% of the tap locations identified showed roots
entering the public sewer main from the service lateral. During wet-weather video
inspections numerous service laterals were observed infiltrating lain water at the tap
location.
• Flow Monitoring
Flow monitoring records average flow and peak flows. The flow monitoring was
performed during dry and wet weather. During wet weather the flow monitor showed
a significant increase to the average and peak flows. The increase shows the amount of
UI entering the system for that specific rain episode.
• Flow Monitoring Results
Flow monitoring performed in drainage basin B evaluated the basin in three sub-areas,
upper, middle and lower. - Several different locations through-out the basin were flow
monitored. The data recorded from one monitoring location at the intersection of
Ramona and South Tassajara (upper basin B) will be used as an example. This location
monitored a specific reach of sewer mainline(8,842 feet of public sewer that serves 201
residences). Dry weather flows at this location recorded an average of 7 gpm (gallons
per minute) in July 1991, at 2:00 am. An average of 446 gpm was.recorded during wet
weather flows in February 1992, at 2:00 a.m. in the same location. The data recorded
shows the difference between dry and wet weather flows during a specific rain episode.
The overall results of the flow monitoring in drainage basin B indicate the III problem
is wide spread through-out the basin.
• ' Physical Inspection
Physical inspection of manholes identifies and,records defects, infiltration of water from
defects, inflow sources, material used and physical location of the manhole (if the
manhole is located in street or drainage channel etc.). Physical inspections are also
performed on all sewer mainlines and the surface area above sewer mainlines to identify
surface material, surface material defects, location, type of pipe etc., to assist in the
evaluation process.
• Physical Inspection Result
There are 173 manholes in drainage basin B. All of the manholes were inspected and
the results were recorded. Numerous manhole problems were identified and will be
repaired as priorities dictate. Manholes that are found to be in drainage channels which
4 city of san L..AIs OB1sp0
ffli;% COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
1/1 Investigation Components and Results
Page 4
may contribute significant UI are scheduled for immediate repair_ The manhole problems
appear to be a less significant source of III as related to the overall collection system.
• Dye Testing
Dye testing is performed to verify inflow and infiltration sources. The dye test will also
verify service lateral locations in mainlines. Extensive dye testing was not performed
in basin B, however, the dye test was used to verify the source of water observed
entering the main at a tap location as being infiltration.
• Dye Testing Results
A test was performed, on one of the service laterals that appeared to be infiltrating rain
water during a video inspection and also revealed smoke during the smoke testing. Ten
gallons of water mixed with tracing dye was poured onto the ground above the lateral,
the camera was positioned in the City main at the tap location of the service connection,
the tracing dye appeared at the tap Iocation in 3 minutes. Three inflow sources were also
verified through dye testing, a roof drain, floor drain and storm drain. These inflow
sources were identified through smoke testing and verified through dye testing as sources
of inflow to the wastewater collection system. These inflow sources have been corrected.
„OVERALL I/I EVALUATION
• Public Sewers
A less significant number of sources were identified infiltrating rain water in the public
sewer system. A majority of the public sewer system is located under impermeable
surface material such.as, asphalt and concrete. No significant ground Aster infiltration
problem Ass found in drainage basin B and identified inflow sources have been
corrected.
• Service Laterals
The video inspections performed in drainage basin B during the wet weather in January
through March of 1992, revealed- numerous service laterals that appeared to be
infiltrating rain water. The laterals were observed at the tap location in the City main.
The tap locations that appeared to be infiltrating water, displayed a continuous flow at
a high velocity that appeared to be abnormally clear. The water did not display the usual
signs of wastewater, such as, debris, human waste or steam that is generated from a
shower or dishwasher. To substantiate the source of the water the UI crew contacted
several of the residences in question. They found that some of the residences were not
occupied, and others were not using any facilities at the time of the inspection.
12211I!)"1I`1 city of san lues osispo
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
I/I Investigation Components and Results
Page 5
The investigation indicates that a significant portion of the I/I in basin B is coming from
the service laterals. A video inspection of all service laterals should be performed to
identify the condition of the service lateral system and insure the most cost effective
repair.
SIGNIFICANT AEXT STEP
If the recommended action is approved by Council, staff will present the results of the I/I
investigation of basin B and seek input from public interest/neighborhood groups to help define
and incorporate public concerns in the development of a comprehensive lateral rehabilitation
program. Staff will return to Council with a program that will be designed to correct i/I.and
manage the private and public sewer system.
SUND&ARY .
The recent comprehensive investigation of drainage basin B was completed for publicly owned
sewer mains and manholes but could only partially address the private service laterals through
smoke testing. The privately owned service laterals need to be investigated, rehabilitated and
maintained in conjunction with the City maintained collection system. This will enable the City
to achieve the highest impact on reducing 1/I. A service lateral inspection and rehabilitation
program will enable the City to manage this portion of the system and insure its safelsani.tary
operation.
FISCAL BOACT
There is no fiscal impact as with the recommended action. However, a service lateral
rehabilitation program could have a significant fiscal impact. If the recommended action is
approved by Council, staff will provide a detailed cost analysis with the lateral rehabilitation
procr once developed.
ALTEMATIVES
Take no action. This alternative is not recommended. The wastewater collection system and
service laterals are aging and in need of rehabilitation to correct UI. The on-going rehabilitation
of the entire wastewater collection system through long and short range programs will correct
the problems, enhance customer service and provide improved management.
. 1
rviLL-ONG AGENDA
DATE -f-Jl-9S'ITEM #
MEMORANDUM
FROM THE OFFICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY
March 17, 1995
TO: City Council
FROM: Jeff Jorgensen
SUBJECT: Pilot Program f Investigation of
Private Sewer Laterals
Because my residence is located in drainage basin "B, " and to avoid
even the appearance of a conflict of interest, I will refrain from
advising the Council or otherwise participate in this matter.
Should questions arise at the Council meeting, they may be directed
to Assistant City Attorney Cindy Clemens for follow-up. I have
explained the potential for conflict to her and requested that she
provide independent advice to the Council if necessary.
JGJ/sw
cc: John Moss
Dan Boyd
David Hix
Cindy Clemens
COUNCIL ❑ CDD DIR
W1CAO ❑ FIN DIA
QO'ACAO ❑ FIRE CHIEF
eTTORNEY ❑ PW DIR
❑ CLFJiKIOAIO ❑ POLICE CHF
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MAR 1 7 1995 1 s' ❑ PERS DIR
CITY CLERK
SAN LUIS OBISPO,CA
lhlegram4hbune
3825 South Higuera•Post Office Box 112•San Luis Obispo, California 93406-0112 • (805) 781-7800
i'TuululQN'H'''V city of
11111111011M san tuts oatspo;
CITY COUNCIL
I PUBLIC HEARINGS.
1: On Tuesday, March 21,
In The Superior Court of The State of California '1995, the San Luis Obispo
,City Council will hold publiE
In and for the County of San Luis Obispo -hearings beginning at 7:oo
'P.m.In the Council Chambers
AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION of City Hall,990 Palm Street,
on the Items listed below.
The reports will be available
dV 71705-0-7 for review in the City Clerk's
City Of SLO Department on the Wednes-
day before the meeting. For
more information,please call
781-7103.
The Council may also dis.
STATE OF CALIFORNIA, cuss other hearings or busi.
ness items before or after
S5. those listed. N you challenge
County Of San Luis Obispo any one of the proposed
actions described below in
court,you may be limited to
I am a citizen of the United States and a resident of raising only those issues you
the Countyaforesaid; 1 am over the age of eighteen or someone else raised et the
g g public hearing described In
and not interested in the above entitled matter, I am this notice, or in written
publication correspondence delivered to
now, and at all times embraced in the
p the City Council at,or prior to,
herein mentioned was, the principal clerk of the the public hearing.
MOBILE HOME PARK
printers and publishers of the SAN LUIS OBISPO RENT STABILIZATION - to
COUNTY TELEGRAM-TRIBUNE, a newspaper of consider amending section
5.44.060 (E) of the Mobile
general circulation, printed and published daily, Home Park Rent Stabilization
y pt at the City of San Luis Obispo in ordinance concerning auto-
Sundays excepted, uratic adjustments to rent to
the above named county and state; that notice at make such adjustments appli.
cable to both increases or
which the annexed clippings is a true printed copy, decreases in expenses, to
was published in the above-named newspaper and clarify that expenses do not
not in an supplement thereof - on the following Include ongoing maintenance y pp g or ongoing maintenance
dates,to-wit: March 11 costs, and to extend the
notice period for such in.
that said newspaper was duly and regularly creases or decreases to 90,
ascertained and established a newspaper of general days, consistent with Civil
circulation by Decree entered in the Superior Court Code section 798.30. (15
min).
Of San Luis Obispo County, Sate of California, ARKING GARAGE USERia, On FEES-to consider authorizing
June 9, 1952, Case #19139 under the provisions of parking garage user fees until
Chapter 1, Division i Title of the Government Code 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, Frl-
day, and Saturday evenings.
of the State of Cafifomia. (30min.).
FRENCH ANNEXATION/
PRE-ZONING - to consider
I certify (or declare) under the penalty of perjury that giving final passage to an
the foregoing is true and correct. ordinance concurring with
eg g the negative declaration of
environmental Impact and
amending the zoning map
from Low-density-Residential
(County zoning)to Low-Dens-
ity-Residential, with specific
overlay(R-1-SP)for a 14-acre
(Signature of Principal Clerk) parcel adjacent to the City
limits at 4380 Broad Street
(ANNX/R 110.93).(30 min.). .
Date: March 11, 1995 ,
N
y, ANNX R 110-93
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
Diane R.Gladwel,
City Clerk.
Mar.11.1995 ...,.,_-