Water Transmission Main
This project involved replacing a deteriorating 30-inch steel water transmission main (circa 1933) in Auburn, NY, with a mile-long 30-inch ductile-iron water transmission main. The new main will be a part of the backbone of the city’s water distribution system for the next century.
With an easterly connection to a 10.25 million-gallon underground reservoir, a westerly connection to the primary transmission main, a path to the city’s Swift Street Filtration Plant — plus nine side-street interconnections — the city’s water supply is now far more sustainable, operable, and reliable.
During the design development phase, Erdman Anthony evaluated trenchless technologies, including sliplining with fusible PVC and cured-in-place lining systems (Class III and IV), as well as full replacement.
A design report documenting the alternatives and considering the construction cost and environmental impacts was prepared in accordance with New York State Department of Health’s and New York State’s Environmental Facilities Corporation’s procedures and guidelines for projects funded by New York’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, the State Environmental Review Process, and the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR, 6 NYCRR Part 617). This report was also submitted to the state department of health and the Cayuga County Health Department for review and approval.
Erdman Anthony prepared plan, specification, and bid documents. Plans and specifications included push-on and mechanical joint pipe, as well as restrained joint pipe systems. Valve types included gate valves for smaller water mains and butterfly valves for mains 16-inches or larger. Other water supply-related appurtenances that were provided included hydrants, new water services to replace old galvanized and lead piping, and 6-inch to 12-inch water main piping to establish nine side-street interconnections.
Critical to the success of the construction phase and unique to this water transmission main project, a very detailed installation sequence was required to allow for a continuous and uninterrupted water supply and for the replenishment of the Franklin Street Reservoir. Erdman Anthony was responsible for the development of an eight-stage installation-sequencing plan that was executed by the contractor successfully.
During the construction phase, Erdman Anthony was responsible for conducting the pre-bid meeting, preparing bid tabulations, checking the contractor’s references, and making the recommendation for award. Our firm also provided construction-phase engineering, full-time resident engineering construction inspection services, and the management of geotechnical testing services.