WEEKLY REPORT (August 24 through 30, 1998)
| TO: Andrew Barnsdale, CPUC/Rich Borden, ANF |
| FROM: Hamid Rastegar/Kris Thorne |
| RE: PPSI: Week 62 Report; August 24 through 30, 1998 |
| DATE: September 4, 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 24 through 29, 1998 included:
- Segment 1-North Activities:
- Activity Milepost (approximate)
- Pot-hole 7.41 to 5.66
- Coating 8.15 to 7.48
- Trenching 7.51 to 7.09
- Conduit 8.28 to 7.81
- Lower-In 7.66 to 7.37
- Backfill 8.28 to 7.81
- Segment 1-South Activities:
- Activity Milepost (approximate)
- Lower-In 11.61 to 10.67
- Conduit 12.32 (no progress)
- Coating 12.02 to 10.99
- Backfill 12.32 (no progress)
- Segment 1-Tejon Bench:
- Activity Milepost (approximate)
- Clearing 19.16 to 18.80
- Coating 19.73 to 19.54
- Trenching 19.20 to 19.12
- Conduit 19.89 to 19.69
- Lower-In 19.64 to 19.45
- Backfill 19.89 to 19.69
Segment 1 Comments:
No non-compliances occurred. Three separate crews are working on Segment 1. The 26-inch ream for the horizontal directional drill at Cuddy Creek (EMP 25.52 to 25.15) was completed and the 32-inch drill head was installed. Trenching and tie-in activities continue in the Tejon wetland (EMP 20.38 to 20.36). Some work continued at the valve site on the north side of the California Aqueduct (EMP 12.02). The bore at Wheeler Ridge Road (EMP 10.61) is being hampered by a large boulder in the bore path. The Laval Road (EMP 10.97) open-cut was completed.
Foundation work at Emidio Pump Station (EMP 0.0) continues with no problems. Grading activity continues 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 without major problems. 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.
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 24 through 28, 1998, included fiber optic cable installation and seeding and curlex installation at EMP 43.14 to 43.72, EMP 44.16 to 44.73, EMP 45.43 to 45.90, and EMP 48.75 to 49.48. Crews and equipment began to be moved to Segment 2C to help complete construction on ANF by the October 3 deadline. ANF Program Manager, Rich Borden, was on-site during the week. No non-compliance events occurred and no project memos were issued. Erosion control repair and seeding 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 24 through 28, 1998 included:
- Segment 2B Activities:
- Activity Milepost (approximate)
- Pot-hole 71.80 (no progress)
- Conduit 71.04 to 71.71
- Trench 71.80 (no progress)
- Backfill 71.04 to 71.71
- Lower-In 71.66 to 71.71
- Paving 70.87 to 71.71
- Coating 71.71 (no progress)
Segment 2B Comments:
One non-compliance event occurred. The sleeve installation at the bore at Calgrove Blvd was completed. Backfill is beginning at the bore site on Newhall Land and Farming lands. Sawcutting has progressed to Balboa Blvd. The tie-in pipe was laid at Valencia Blvd with the aid of a 165-ton crane with traffic on Valencia Blvd blocked for less than 10 minutes. The tie-in at Valencia Blvd was also completed.
No project memos were issued this week.
Non-Compliance Event for Segment 2B
Mitigation Measure/PC Description/Non-compliance Level
First Observed
Corrected
Status
SS-5 - Adhere to Fire Protection Plan Welding occurred without standing fire watch - Level 3 8/26/98
8/26/98
Acceptable
Segment 2B Schedule for Next Week:
Crews are expected to continue working on Segment 2B and not be transferred to Segment 2C for another week or so.
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 24 through 28, 1998 included:
- Segment 2C Activities:
- Activity Milepost (approximate)
- Pot-hole 50.82 to 51.26
- Coating-#1 55.01 to 54.79
- Trench-#1 52.09 to 51.93
- Coating-#2 52.56 to 52.51
- Trench-#2 50.96 to 50.82
- Lower-In-#1 55.01 to 54.89
- Backfill-#1 55.05 to 54.79
- Lower-In-#2 51.32 to 50.88
- Backfill-#2 55.01 to 54.79
Segment 2C Comments:
No non-compliance events occurred. The contractor activated two construction zones within Segment 2C. ANF Program Manager, Rich Borden, was on-site to inspect the ROW. Bore at EMP 56.74 continued. A water truck slid off a slick road and landed on an exposed gas line. No injuries occurred and the gas line was x-rayed. It was determined that no damage to the exposed pipe had occurred. All appropriate emergency contacts were made. The contractor sent water trucks to help contain a brush fire that began along I-5 in the vicinity of the construction work zone. Pot-hole and clearing began for Whitaker Station.
One project memo was issued to PPSI to remind them that clearing is not to occur north of Whitaker Access Road until restoration and revegetation are completed for the two construction sites that are currently approved by ANF.
Segment 2C Schedule for Next Week:
Continue early start time (5:00 a.m.) because of fire danger. Begin preparation for foundation work at Whitaker Station.
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, has 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 24 through 28, 1998 included completing work at West Chevy Chase Drive. A crew worked just north of Allen Street to prepare for the pipe insert into the abandoned SoCal line. Clean-up activities occurred at Fletcher and Linden streets.
No non-compliance events occurred. No project memos were issued this week.
G. SEGMENT 3B CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS
This segment is within MTA rail right-of-way in restricted areas of Taylor, Midway and Cornfield yards. Segment 3 EM, Brooke Langle, has 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 24 through 28, 1998 included finishing bore under the rail tracks at Midway Yard (EMP 97.38) and began the bore at EMP 97.10. Progress at the new bore was slow because of rock and abandoned I-beams. On August 27, MTA shutdown all construction activities on MTA property until a void under their tracks was repaired. No non-compliance events occurred and no project memos were issued this week. Plans for next week are to continue with the second bore 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 24 through 28, 1998 included:
- Segment 4A-Night, South Activities:
- Activity Milepost (approximate)
- Pot-hole 106.14 to 106.15
- Coating 105.53 to 105.62
- Trench 105.84 to 106.13
- Conduit 105.22 to 105.54
- Lower-In 105.55 to 105.84
- Backfill 105.22 to 105.44
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 and have progressed to College Street (EMP 98.88). There was no revision to the Bruno Street Treatment Plan. A small crew continues to work at the Hwy 101 overcrossing bridge installing the casing pipe. A void was located at Slauson Avenue that was filled with concrete. A water hydrant was run over at Nadeau Street by a subcontractor. All appropriate notifications were made and water feeding the hydrant was shut off.
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. Segment 4A-nights will soon tie-in with the work performed by Segment 4A-days.
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 24 through 28, 1998 included completion of the 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 for crews to return to Segment 4B.
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 24 through 29, 1998 included:
- Segment 4B Activities:
- Activity El Segundo Milepost (approx)
- Bore 2.79 (San Pedro St) - backfill
- Bore 1.83 (Central Av) - backfill
- 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 resumed Tuesday, August 25 when a staffing conflict between the contractor and a local contractor association was resolved. Trenching, laying, welding, and coating were conducted from San Pedro and Avalon (ESMP 2.63). Backfilling occurred at Vermont Street (ESMP 4.03) Hoover Street (ESMP 3.85), and Bellhaven Street (ESMP 1.93). Crews began excavation for a bore pit at the Dominguez Channel (ESMP 6.46).
No project memos were issued this week.
Segment 4B Schedule for Next Week:
Dominguez Channel predicted to begin late next week. Crews will continue to finished skipped areas.
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 24 through 28, 1998 included:
- Segment 5C Activities:
- Activity Milepost (approximate)
- Trench 113.15 (complete)
- Backfill 112.36 to 112.95
- Lower-In 112.78 to 112.99
- Conduit 112.36 to 112.95
- Coating 112.63 to 112.99
Segment 5C Comments:
One non-compliance event occurred. Pipe was tied-in at EMP 113.15. Pipe was prepared for the horizontal directional drill.
No project memos were issued this week.
Non-Compliance Event for Segment 5C
Mitigation Measure/PC Description/Non-compliance Level
First Observed
Corrected
Status
A-2.1 - Confine construction activities to approve right-of-way Vehicles and equipment parked off right-of-way - Level 3 8/28/98
8/28/98
Acceptable
Segment 5C Schedule for Next Week:
Segment 5C, except for the directional drill, is expected to finish by September 4. The directional drill at Auto Drive South may begin in mid-September.
L. VARIANCES
The following variance was approved by CPUC or ANF August 24 through 28, 1998.
Variance # |
Description |
Segment(s) Variance Applies |
Agency Decision |
106 |
Night construction along The Old Road and San Fernando Road between Stn 3785+65 and 3904+61 | 2B |
Approved |
M. EXTRA WORK SPACE
No extra work space/equipment storage areas were approved by CPUC or ANF August 24 through 28, 1998.
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, Grapevine and Whitaker stations to continue.