WEEKLY REPORT (August 10 through 16, 1998)
| TO: Andrew Barnsdale, CPUC/Rich Borden, ANF |
| FROM: Hamid Rastegar/Kris Thorne |
| RE: PPSI: Week 60 Report; August 10 through 16, 1998 |
| DATE: September 2, 1998 |
A. INTRODUCTION
Construction continued on Segment 1 (Milepost [MP] 0 to 33), Segment 2A (MP 33 to 50), Segment 2B (MP 56 to 73), Segment 2C (MP 50 to 56), Segments 3A and 3B (MP 73 to 99), Segment 4A (MP 99 to 108), Segment 4B (El Segundo MP 0 to 11) and Segment 5 (MP 108 to 118).
B. SEGMENT 1 CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS
This segment extends southward from the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley (Emidio), through the Tejon Pass, to the northern perimeter of the Angeles National Forest. Construction will occur through agricultural fields, along roads and across very steep slopes. Segment 1 Environmental Monitor (EM), Lynn Stafford and Tejon Bench EM, Sandy Etchell, have been on-site during construction. PPSI has eight craft inspectors, one environmental inspector, one Native American monitor, and one contaminated soils monitor inspecting the work of approximately 65 contractor employees. Construction progress from August 10 through 15, 1998 included:
- Segment 1-North Activities:
- Activity Milepost (approximate)
- Pot-hole 7.41 (no progress)
- Coating 9.09 to 8.28
- Trenching 8.55 to 7.66
- Conduit 9.91 to 8.98
- Lower-In 9.09 to 8.15
- Backfill 9.91 to 8.98
- Segment 1-South Activities:
- Activity Milepost (approximate)
- Lower-In 11.61 (no progress)
- Conduit 13.38 to 13.30
- Coating 12.32 to 12.18
- Backfill 13.38 to 13.30
- Segment 1-Tejon Bench:
- Activity Milepost (approximate)
- Clearing 19.86 to 19.20
- Coating 20.10 to 19.89
- Trenching 19.86 to 19.22
- Conduit 20.10 to 19.99
- Lower-In 20.10 to 19.73
- Backfill 20.10 to 19.99
Segment 1 Comments:
No non-compliances occurred. Three separate crews are working on Segment 1. Trenching and pipelaying continue to be slow through the Tejon wetland (EMP 20.38 to 20.36). The bore of Interstate 5 (I-5), Grapevine bore pits (EMP 13.35 and 13.30), continues. The drilling of the pilot hole for the Cuddy Creek directional drill (EMP 25.16) was completed and the first 26-inch ream began on Saturday. The coating work was completed for the directional drill pipe string. Preparations were made for open-cutting Laval Road (EMP 10.97), in accordance with approved Variance Request # 103.
Foundation work at Emidio Pump Station (EMP 0.0) continues slowly. Grading activity at the Grapevine Pump Station (EMP 15.51 to 15.57) resumed on Thursday after a brief break.
On the Tejon Bench (EMP 20.10 to 15.57), all construction activities have kicked-off and dust was adequately controlled by watering. No project memos were issued this week.
Segment 1 Schedule for Next Week:
Continue general construction activities with two crews plus the Tejon Bench crew. Continue with 26-inch ream of Cuddy Creek directional drill.
C. SEGMENT 2A CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS
This segment within the Angeles National Forest (ANF) involved very steep slopes and required significant time and additional equipment for trenching, stringing, and other pipe-laying activities. Although general construction was completed on this segment last year, a number of supplemental activities began in June 1998 to repair damage to ANF roads and the pipeline ROW caused by winter rains. Segment 2A EM, Sandy Etchell, has been on-site during construction. PPSI has two craft inspectors and one environmental inspector inspecting the work of approximately 65 contractor employees.
Construction progress August 10 through 14, 1998, included reseeding and installation of erosion control materials from EMP 38.92 to 39.45 and EMP 47.68 to 48.35. Sack breakers were installed from EMP 45.62 to 45.54 and EMP 48.44 to 48.92. The block valve was lowered at EMP 44.33. A 50-foot section of pipe was removed from EMP 44.35 in preparation for future hydrotesting. Road repairs were done between EMP 49.41 and 48.90. ANF Program Manager, Rich Borden, was on-site during the week to inspect repairs. No non-compliance events occurred and no project memos were issued. Erosion control repair, seeding, and fiber optic cable installation will continue next week.
D. SEGMENT 2B CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS
This segment is primarily in open lands and roadway right-of-ways from Castaic to Sylmar. Segment 2B EM, Chris Huntley, has been on-site during construction. PPSI has seven craft inspectors, one environmental inspector, and one Native American monitor inspecting the work of approximately 85 contractor employees. Construction progress August 10 through 14, 1998 included:
- Segment 2B Activities:
- Activity Milepost (approximate)
- Pot-hole 71.41 to 71.80
- Conduit 69.55 to 70.47
- Trench 71.41 to 71.80
- Backfill 69.55 to 70.47
- Lower-In 70.62 to 71.40
- Paving 69.55 to 70.47
- Coating 70.36 to 71.05
Segment 2B Comments:
No non-compliance events occurred. The contractor inserted casing at the deep bore at Feedmill Road (EMP 64.26). Crew continued to excavate the bore pipe for tie-in to mainline at Newhall Land and Farming property adjacent to Valencia Blvd. Efforts to free the mis-aligned bore sleeve at Calgrove were successful. Crews have progressed to just north of Weldon Canyon Road.
A project memo was issued to remind PPSI that silt fences must be maintained once they are installed.
Segment 2B Schedule for Next Week:
Construction will continue southward along The Old Road. It is proposed that as crews finish, they will transfer up to Segment 2C to ensure construction completion on ANF lands by the October 3, 1998 deadline.
E. SEGMENT 2C CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS
This segment is primarily in open lands and roadway right-of-ways from Templin Highway to Castaic. Segment 2C EM, Kim Beyer, has been on-site during construction. PPSI has three craft inspectors, one environmental inspector, and one Native American monitor inspecting the work of approximately 40 contractor employees. Construction progress August 10 through 14, 1998 included:
- Segment 2C Activities:
- Activity Milepost (approximate)
- Pot-hole 52.70 to 50.82
- Coating 56.53 (no progress)
- Trench 53.25 (no progress)
- Backfill 56.61 (no progress)
- Lower-In 55.34 (no progress)
Segment 2C Comments:
No non-compliance events occurred. ANF Program Manager, Rich Borden, inspected segment progress during the week and reviewed road repairs. Whitaker access road was widened for passage of pipe trucks. Other approved access roads were repaired so project vehicles could drive safely on them. Fire retardant was sprayed along active ROW. Work has been slowed because of shutdowns based on fire danger.
No project memos were issued this week.
Segment 2C Schedule for Next Week:
Continue early start time (5:00 a.m.) because of fire danger. Additional crews may be moved to Segment 2C to meet the October 3, 1998 work-in-ANF deadline.
F. SEGMENT 3A CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS
This segment is within MTA rail right-of-way from Sylmar to Taylor Yard in Los Angles. Segment 3A EM, Brooke Langle, and LEM, Kris Thorne, have been on-site during construction. On Segment 3A, PPSI has seven craft inspectors, one part-time environmental inspector, two Native American monitors, and one contaminated soils inspector inspecting the work of approximately 40 contractor employees. Construction progress from August 10 through 14, 1998 included:
- Segment 3A Activities:
- Activity Milepost (approximate)
- Trench 96.00 (complete)
- Conduit 95.89 to 96.00
- Lower-In 96.00 (complete)
- Backfill 95.89 to 96.00
- Coating 96.00 (complete)
Segment 3A Comments:
No non-compliance events occurred. Fiber optic crew completing tie-in at Olive Street. Open-cut of West Chevy Chase continues with flaggers controlling traffic through the work zone. Backfilling of block valve (EMP 94.69) is almost complete. Tie-in of bore at Fletcher (EMP 94.50) was completed.
No project memos were issued this week.
Segment 3A Schedule for Next Week:
Crews anticipated to begin work at north end of Segment 3 when skips are completed. Night work at Tuxford Street scheduled to begin in next week or so.
G. SEGMENT 3B CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS
This segment is within MTA rail right-of-way in restricted areas of Taylor Yard and involves nighttime construction (9:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.). Segment 3B EM, Pete Messick has been on-site during construction. On Segment 3B, PPSI has two craft inspectors inspecting the work of approximately 25 contractor employees. Construction progress from August 10 through 14, 1998 included the following:
- Segment 3B Activities:
- Activity Milepost (approximate)
- Lower-In 96.05 (complete)
- Conduit 96.05 (complete)
- Coating 96.05 (complete)
- Backfill 96.05 (complete)
Segment 3B Comments:
No non-compliance events occurred. Construction activities are almost complete in the MTA facility, only concrete paving remains to be done. Boring continues to be slow under the rail tracks at Midway Yard (EMP 97.38) due to rock that is being encountered, with only 3-feet of progress being made some nights.
No project memos were issued this week.
Segment 3B Schedule for Next Week:
Continue bore under MTA tracks at Midway Yard.
H. SEGMENT 4A-NIGHT CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS
This segment involves nighttime construction (7:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.) in railroad and roadway right-of-ways through mostly industrial areas from downtown Los Angeles to Compton. Segment 4A-Night EM, Christopher Meyer, has been on-site during construction. PPSI has six craft inspectors, one part-time environmental inspector, one Native American monitor, and one contamination inspector inspecting the work of approximately 85 contractor employees during nighttime construction. Construction progress from August 10 through 14, 1998 included:
- Segment 4A-Night, South Activities:
- Activity Milepost (approximate)
- Pot-hole 105.43 to 105.82
- Coating 105.13 to 105.33
- Trench 105.23 to 105.57
- Conduit 104.79 to 105.12
- Lower-In 105.13 to 105.43
- Backfill 104.79 to 105.12
Segment 4A-Night Comments:
No non-compliance events occurred. Contractor has crews at both north and south ends of the segment. Pot-hole began at EMP 98.96 (northern crew) in preparation for trenching at Los Angeles Street. Rail was found in trench line during pot-hole activities. The vault and valve were place north of 85th Street. The archaeological specialists are monitoring excavations and granite block removal in the Bruno Street environs. Questions about chain-of-command regarding archaeological discoveries were resolved.
No project memos were issued this week.
Segment 4A-Night Schedule for Next Week:
Contractor to continue having crews working both north and south ends of segment. PPSI to continue hand excavation of hand-hewn granite blocks in the Bruno Street environs.
I. SEGMENT 4A-DAY CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS
This segment involves construction in railroad and roadway right-of-ways through mostly industrial areas from downtown Los Angeles to Compton. Segment 4A-Day EM, Neda Fioozat, has been on-site during construction. PPSI has one craft inspectors and one part-time environmental inspector inspecting the work of approximately 15 contractor employees during construction. Construction progress from August 10 through 14, 1998 included:
- Segment 4A-Day Activities:
- Activity Milepost (approximate)
- Pot-hole Complete
- Coating Complete
- Trench Complete
- Conduit Complete
- Lower-In Complete
- Backfill Complete
Segment 4A-Day Comments:
No non-compliance events occurred. Bore crew excavated pit at Fernwood Avenue (EMP 107.86) and began boring.
No project memos were issued this week.
Segment 4A-Day Schedule for Next Week:
Continue bore at Fernwood Avenue.
J. SEGMENT 4B CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS
This segment involves construction in railroad and roadway right-of-ways through mostly industrial areas from Watts Junction to El Segundo Refinery area. Segment 4B EM, Neda Fioozat, has been on-site during construction. PPSI has five craft inspectors, one environmental inspector, one part-time Native American monitor, and one contamination inspector inspecting the work of approximately 70 contractor employees. Construction progress from August 10 through 15, 1998 included:
- Segment 4B Activities:
- Activity El Segundo Milepost (approx)
- Bore 2.79 (San Pedro St) - backfill
- Bore pit 1.83 (Central Av) - continue
- Bore 1.23 (109th St) - continue
- Bore 1.68 (Slater Av) - backfill
- Bore 1.40 (110th St) - continue
- Bore 1.10 (108th St)
Segment 4B Comments:
No non-compliance events occurred. Bending and pipe laying occurred at Wilkie Avenue (ESMP 6.31) and on the west side of Budlong (ESMP 4.29). Trenching continued on the west side of Vermont Street (ESMP 4.03) and east side of Main Street (ESMP 2.83). Backfilling was done at 108th Street (ESMP 1.08). Union Pacific Rail Road conducted a one-hour safety training for all project personnel.
No project memos were issued this week.
Segment 4B Schedule for Next Week:
Continue bores and skipped portions of ROW.
K. SEGMENT 5 CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS
This segment involves construction in railroad and roadway right-of-ways through mostly industrial areas from Compton to the Long Beach Harbor. Construction is complete on Segments 5A and 5B. Segment 5C EM, Pete Messick, has been on-site during construction. PPSI has one craft inspector, one part-time environmental inspector, one Native American monitor and one part-time contamination inspector inspecting the work of approximately 8 contractor employees. Construction progress from August 10 through 14, 1998 included:
- Segment 5C Activities:
- Activity Milepost (approximate)
- Pot-hole 113.14 (complete)
- Trench 112.17 to 112.71
- Clearing 112.59 to 113.14
Segment 5C Comments:
No non-compliance events occurred. Remaining existing fence was moved to the west to allow for full ROW width while still restricting public access to site and flood channel. The black walnut on the ROW was trimmed under the supervision of an arborist. A temporary truck crossing was installed at EMP 112.89 across UPRR tracks.
No project memos were issued this week.
Segment 5C Schedule for Next Week:
Crews will continue working in fill along levee. The directional drill crew waiting to begin at Auto Drive South.
L. VARIANCES
The following variances were approved by CPUC or ANF August 10 through 14, 1998.
Variance # |
Description |
Segment(s) Variance Applies |
Agency Decision |
69 |
Open-cut trenching of West Chevy Chase Drive, City of Glendale | 3A |
Approved |
102 |
Relocated the Santa Susanna block valve, Los Angeles County | 2B |
Approved |
103 |
Open-cut trenching of Laval Road, Kern County | 1 |
Approved |
M. EXTRA WORK SPACE
The following extra work space/equipment storage areas were approved by CPUC or ANF August 10 through 14, 1998.
Request # |
Description |
Segment(s) Request Applies |
Agency Decision |
60 |
Access roads on non-ANF lands between Templin Highway and Castaic Road, Los Angeles County | 2C |
Approved |
57 |
Access roads and truck turn-arounds, Los Angeles County | 2C |
Approved |
N. GENERAL PLANS FOR NEXT WEEK
Construction on Segments 1, 2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, 3B, 4A (day and night shifts), 4B, and 5 and Emidio and Grapevine stations to continue.