Chip Bilger, Executive DirectorJeff Jessell, Engineering

SESSION 9 - WATER AND WASTEWATERCase Study of Construction during COVID-19

Raw Water Pipeline Project Phase 2

Project Background

COVID-19 Construction Waiver

Project Timeline

Project background

This project was cut from the original plant construction in 1972

The project was broken down into two phases to eliminate delays

Phase 1 involved the construction of a new $2.5 M pre-treatment building and contact basins which can be utilized for both raw water sources.

Today were going to be talking about Phase 2, which is the pipeline from the Blue Marsh Dam to the new pre-treatment building and contact basins

PA Essential Business List

PA Essential Business List

Water Utilities were considered essential

All Construction was considered non-essential

Construction Waiver

Do we need a waiver?

The state issued a list of essential activities

Underground utility construction was not on the list

We originally thought we would be exempt because the construction was on federal property

We decided to play it safe and request a waiver

Construction Waiver

The justification for the waiver was broken into three different justifications:

The first justification was Improved Water Quality

Construction Waiver

The second justification was that the project provided a Second Source of Supply

Construction Waiver

The third justification was that the project involved compliance concerns

Waiver Approval Letter

Waiver Approval Letter“In response to your request for an exemption from the applicability of the COVID-19 Orders, pursuant to the powers granted to us to protect the legitimate business, industry, and commerce of the Commonwealth, and to prevent and control the spread of disease, it has been determined that the business identified above, to the extent described in your application, plays a critical role in the manufacture and supply of goods and services necessary to sustain life, and may continue to operate at the physical location identified in your application.”

Waiver Approval Restrictions Although the project was given permission to proceed,

there were still many restrictions in place which hindered the construction process.

Equipment operators required to wear masks

No face-to-face meetings

Social distancing in the trench

Special approval for site scouting

Supply chain issues

Phase 2 Timeline Contract Start Date 12/10/2019

COVID-19 Restrictions 03/17/2020

Issued Waiver Letter Request 03/30/2020

Clearing and Grubbing Started 04/02/2020

Video inspection of 48” pipe 04/15/2020

Received Waiver Approval Letter 04/17/2020

US ACE Approval to install pipe 04/30/2020

Contractor starts to install pipe 06/10/2020

Original Substantial Completion Date 07/07/2020

Original Full and Final Completion Date 09/05/2020

Expected Completion Date Fall/Winter 2020?

Questions or Comments