WEEKLY REPORT (August 17 through 23, 1998)
| TO: Andrew Barnsdale, CPUC/Rich Borden, ANF |
| FROM: Hamid Rastegar/Kris Thorne |
| RE: PPSI: Week 61 Report; August 17 through 23, 1998 |
| DATE: September 3, 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 17 through 23, 1998 included:
- Segment 1-North Activities:
- Activity Milepost (approximate)
- Pot-hole 7.41 (no progress)
- Coating 8.28 to 8.15
- Trenching 7.66 to 7.51
- Conduit 8.98 to 8.28
- Lower-In 8.15 to 7.66
- Backfill 8.98 to 8.28
- Segment 1-South Activities:
- Activity Milepost (approximate)
- Lower-In 11.61 (no progress)
- Conduit 13.30 to 12.32
- Coating 12.18 to 12.02
- Backfill 13.30 to 12.32
- Segment 1-Tejon Bench:
- Activity Milepost (approximate)
- Clearing 19.20 to 19.16
- Coating 19.89 to 19.73
- Trenching 19.22 to 19.20
- Conduit 19.99 to 19.89
- Lower-In 19.73 to 19.64
- Backfill 19.99 to 19.89
Segment 1 Comments:
No non-compliances occurred. Three separate crews are working on Segment 1. Construction activities continue to be slow through the Tejon wetland (EMP 20.38 to 20.36), partially as a result of the need to dewater. Backfill began of the Interstate (I-5) Grapevine bore pits (EMP 13.35 and 13.30). The 26-inch ream for the horizontal directional drill at Cuddy Creek (EMP 25.52 to 25.15) had a frac-out (drilling mud reaching the surface through a natural fracture in the ground). When the reamer was removed, it was discovered that the drill head was badly worn and should be replaced. Tie-in of the valve site on the north side of the California Aqueduct continued (EMP 12.02). Crews began open-cutting Laval Road (EMP 10.97), in accordance with approved Variance Request # 103.
Foundation work at Emidio Pump Station (EMP 0.0) continues with no problems. Grading activity continued at the Grapevine Pump Station (EMP 15.51 to 15.57) with a Native American monitor present.
On the Tejon Bench (EMP 20.10 to 15.57), pipe is being laid, welded, coated and shaded between skips. An archaeologist and a Native American monitor have been present during trenching and have uncovered a two isolated items.
No project memos were issued this week.
Segment 1 Schedule for Next Week:
Continue general construction activities using three crews. Resume 26-inch ream of Cuddy Creek directional drill when new drill head is installed.
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 17 through 21, 1998, included waterbar installation and repair between EMP 43.95 to 48.22, 48.75 to 48.92, and 49.22 to 49.48. Reseeding and installation of erosion control materials were placed from EMP 44.16 to 44.75, 45.43 to 45.62, and 48.96 to 49.26. Sack breakers were installed at EMP 43.14. Fencing was installed around the valve at EMP 44.95. ANF Program Manager, Rich Borden, was on-site during the week to inspect effects of revegetation and erosion 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 17 through 21, 1998 included:
- Segment 2B Activities:
- Activity Milepost (approximate)
- Pot-hole 71.80 (no progress)
- Conduit 70.47 to 71.04
- Trench 71.80 (no progress)
- Backfill 70.47 to 71.04
- Lower-In 71.40 to 71.66
- Paving 70.47 to 70.87
- Coating 71.05 to 71.71
Segment 2B Comments:
No non-compliance events occurred. During backfill operations along The Old Road, a end-dump truck became unbalanced and overturned. No one was injured and spilled fuel was contained immediately. Crews are attempting to complete all work in the Newhall Land and Framing property between Valencia Blvd and McBean Parkway. Fiber optic cable has been pulled to Live Oak Road. Crews worked to re-align the bore at Calgrove Blvd.
No project memos were issued this week.
Segment 2B Schedule for Next Week:
The tie-in at Valencia Blvd is expected to occur next week.
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 17 through 21, 1998 included:
- Segment 2C Activities:
- Activity Milepost (approximate)
- Pot-hole 50.82 (no progress)
- Coating 56.53 to 55.01
- Trench between 53.25 and 50.89
- Backfill 56.61 to 55.05
- Lower-In 55.34 to 54.89
Segment 2C Comments:
One non-compliance event occurred. ANF Program Manager, Rich Borden, inspected segment progress during the week and reviewed road repairs. Repair and fill-in of approved access roads continued. Two trenching crews are working. Contaminated soils were encountered at EMP 52.46. Bore at EMP 56.74 began.
Two project memos were issued to PPSI to remind them that culverts and drainages need to be open at all times and that topsoil should be kept separate from spoil.
Non-Compliance Event for Segment 2C
Mitigation Measure/PC Description/Non-compliance Level
First Observed
Corrected
Status
B-V-2.3 - Set aside and protect topsoil during construction Spoils mixed in with topsoil - Level 3 8/20/98
8/21/98
Acceptable
Segment 2C Schedule for Next Week:
Continue early start time (5:00 a.m.) because of fire danger. Additional crews beginning to be moved to Segment 2C to increase production to meet the October 3, 1998 work-in-ANF deadline. Slick bore at EMP 56.74 expected to be completed.
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 17 through 21, 1998 included:
- Segment 3A Activities:
- Activity Milepost (approximate)
- Conduit 95.89 to 96.00 (complete)
- Backfill 95.89 to 96.00 (complete)
Segment 3A Comments:
No non-compliance events occurred. Fiber optic crew completed tie-in at Olive Street. Open-cut of West Chevy Chase is nearing completion. Backfilling of block valve EMP 94.69 was completed. Crews are being laid off until the next work site is selected.
A project memo was issued to remind PPSI that workers shall be shuttled to the work site.
Segment 3A Schedule for Next Week:
West Chevy Chase expected to be completed.
G. SEGMENT 3B CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS
This segment is within MTA rail right-of-way in restricted areas of Taylor Yard. Environmental Monitors Pete Messick and Christopher Meyer have been on-site during construction. On Segment 3B, PPSI has two craft inspectors inspecting the work of approximately 15 contractor employees.
Construction progress from August 17 through 21, 1998 included boring under the rail tracks at Midway Yard (EMP 97.38). No non-compliance events occurred. No project memos were issued this week. Plans for next week are to complete the 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 eight 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 17 through 21, 1998 included:
- Segment 4A-Night, South Activities:
- Activity Milepost (approximate)
- Pot-hole 105.82 to 106.14
- Coating 105.33 to 104.53
- Trench 105.57 to 105.84
- Conduit 105.12 to 105.22
- Lower-In 105.43 to 105.55
- Backfill 105.12 to 105.22
Segment 4A-Night Comments:
No non-compliance events occurred. Contractor has crews at both north and south ends of the segment. The archaeological specialists and Native American monitor continue to monitor excavations and granite block removal in the Bruno Street environs. PPSI is proposing a revision to the treatment plan for hand-hewn blocks. A small crew has begun preparing the Highway 101 overcrossing bridge for installation of the casing pipe. Work was completed on the block valve north of 85th Street.
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. The revision to the Bruno Street Treatment Plan will be reviewed next week.
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 bore at Fernwood Ave (EMP 107.86). No non-compliance events occurred. No project memos were issued this week. The schedule for next week is to 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 17 through 22, 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) - continue
Segment 4B Comments:
No non-compliance events occurred. Construction activities were halted Friday, August 21, until a staffing conflict between the contractor and a local contractor association can be resolved. Trenching continued on the east side of Main Street (ESMP 2.83). Bending and pipe laying occurred at Vermont Street (ESMP 4.03). Backfilling was done at Wilkie Avenue (ESMP 6.31). Crews were also working at Hoover Street (EMP 3.85).
No project memos were issued this week.
Segment 4B Schedule for Next Week:
Resume construction when negotiations are finalized.
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, and one part-time contamination inspector inspecting the work of approximately 30 contractor employees. Construction progress from August 17 through 21, 1998 included:
- Segment 5C Activities:
- Activity Milepost (approximate)
- Clearing Complete
- Coating 112.27 to 112.63
- Trench 112.71 to 113.15
- Backfill 112.27 to 112.36
- Lower-In 112.27 to 112.78
- Conduit 112.27 to 112.36
Segment 5C Comments:
No non-compliance events occurred. All construction crews are active. Pipe that was laid in Fall, 1997, was exposed for tie-in (EMP 113.15). A fiber optic pull box was installed at EMP 118.83.
No project memos were issued this week.
Segment 5C Schedule for Next Week:
Crews will continue and are expected to finish by September 4. The directional drill at Auto Drive South is expected to begin in mid-September.
L. VARIANCES
The following variances were approved by CPUC or ANF August 17 through 21, 1998.
Variance # |
Description |
Segment(s) Variance Applies |
Agency Decision |
98 |
Relocation of right-of-way at Colorado Street and San Fernando Road, City of Glendale | 3A |
Approved |
104 |
Refuel within 0.25 miles of stream courses along The Old Road, Los Angeles County | 2B |
Approved |
105 |
Open-cut trenching of Grandview Avenue, City of Glendale | 3A |
Approved |
107 |
Night construction at Hollywood Way and MTA right-of-way, City of Burbank | 3A |
Approved |
108 |
Night construction at Victory Place and the MTA right-of-way, City of Burbank | 3A |
Approved |
M. EXTRA WORK SPACE
The following extra work space/equipment storage areas were approved by CPUC or ANF August 17 through 21, 1998.
Request # |
Description |
Segment(s) Request Applies |
Agency Decision |
51 |
Extra work spaces, Kern County | 1 |
Approved |
65 |
Extra work space at Weldon Canyon Road, Los Angeles County | 2B |
Approved |
66 |
Staging area for erosion repairs, Angeles National Forest | 2A |
Approved |
67 |
Additional cut slopes for erosion repairs, Angeles National Forest | 2A |
Approved |
68 |
Extension of waterbars off of the right-of-way for erosion repair, Angeles National Forest | 2A |
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.