WEEKLY REPORT (October 5 through 11, 1998)
| TO: Andrew Barnsdale, CPUC/Rich Borden, ANF |
| FROM: Hamid Rastegar/Kris Thorne |
| RE: PPSI: Week 68 Report; October 5 through 11, 1998 |
| DATE: October 20, 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, 3B, and 3C (MP 73 to 99), Segment 4A (MP 99 to 108), and Segment 4B (El Segundo MP 0 to 11). The only remaining work on Segment 5 (MP 108 to 118) is a directional drill that is expected to begin near the end of October.
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), Sandy Etchell, has been on-site during construction. PPSI has ten 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 October 5 through 11, 1998 included:
Segment 1-North Activities:
Activity Milepost (approximate)
• Pot-hole 1.06 (no progress)
• Coating 2.25 to 1.23
• Trenching 1.75 to 1.20
• Conduit 2.61 to 2.31
• Lower-In 1.80 to 1.23
• Backfill 2.61 to 2.31
Segment 1-Tejon Bench:
Activity Milepost (approximate)
• Pot-hole 17.72 to 17.73
• Lower-In 18.61 to 18.50
• Trenching 18.23 to 18.18
• Coating 18.61 to 18.50
17.85 to 17.74
• Conduit 18.95 to 18.84
17.72 to 17.64
• Backfill 19.03 to 18.93
Segment 1 Comments
One non-compliance event occurred (use of access road that was neither approved nor culturally cleared). Pipe was successfully pulled through the horizontal directional drill at Cuddy Creek (EMP 25.52 to 25.15) on Saturday, October 10.
The bore at the Edison Tower (EMP 20.22) in the Tejon wetland was completed. The bores at Wheeler Ridge Road (EMP 10.61), Tecuya Creek/I-5 (EMP 9.84), and Access Road B (EMP 6.00) are still in progress. The digging of the bore pit for the south side of the California Aqueduct (EMP 12.22) was completed. Excavation of bore pits on both sides of Stream Crossing #4 (EMP 9.03) are in progress. Installation of the California Aqueduct block valve (EMP 12.02) was completed except for electrical and fencing.
At Emidio Pump Station (EMP 0.0), electrical work continued while pipe was being installed for the pump equipment. At Grapevine Pump Station (EMP 15.51 to 15.57) crews began backfilling and compacting around the retaining wall and worked on framework for the pipe and pump support.
One project memo was issued this week to remind PPSI that Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan should be complied with regarding material storage and leaks.
Non-Compliance Event for Segment 1
| Mitigation Measure/PC | Description/Non-compliance Level |
First Observed |
Corrected |
Status |
| T-2.1 - If alternative access route is used, a
signed agreement with the owner shall be provided. C-2.1 - PPSI to provide Phase I survey reports from a qualified archaeologist for all areas not previously surveyed |
Use of unapproved access road - Level 1 Use of unsurveyed access road - Level 2 |
10/6/98 |
10/6/98 |
Acceptable |
Segment 1 Schedule for Next Week:
Continue general construction activities and bores for the mainline crews, emphasis on the Tejon Bench area. The station crews will continue with electrical work and pump support. The directional drill crew is expected to begin the fiber optic drill at Cuddy Creek.
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 along this segment last year, a number of supplemental activities began in June to repair damage to ANF roads and the pipeline ROW caused by winter rains. Segment 2A EM, Lynn Stafford, has been on-site during construction. PPSI has one craft inspector and one part-time environmental inspector inspecting the work of approximately 5 contractor employees.
Construction progress October 5 through 11, 1998, included completion of electrical work at valve sites and repair of pipe anomaly at EMP 38.90. No non-compliance events occurred and no project memos were issued. Only repair of access roads in coordination with ANF personnel continues. Hydrotesting is planned for 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, Brooke Langle, has been on-site during construction. PPSI has one craft inspector and one part-time environmental inspector inspecting the work of approximately 20 contractor employees. Construction progress October 5 through 9, 1998 included:
Segment 2B Activities:
Activity Milepost (approximate)
• Trench 73.50 to 73.49
Segment 2B Comments:
No non-compliance events occurred. Removal of shoring at Feedmill Road bore pit was completed. Trenching activities are slow at Sunshine Canyon Road. Potentially contaminated water and soils were encountered. Water is being pumped into a storage tank and soils are being stored on plastic sheets. Installation of the block valve north of Balboa Blvd (EMP 73.81) was begun.
No project memos were issued this week.
Segment 2B Schedule for Next Week:
Trenching at Sunshine Canyon Road will continue, with crews being added as appropriate.
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, Lynn Stafford, has been on-site during construction. PPSI has three craft inspectors, one environmental inspector, one Native American monitor, and one part-time contaminated soils inspector inspecting the work of approximately 50 contractor employees. Construction progress October 5 through 10, 1998 included:
Segment 2C Activities:
Activity Milepost (approximate)
• Trench 53.58 to 53.51
• Coating 54.09 to 54.54
53.34 to 53.36 53.00 to 53.30
• Lower-In 54.41 to 54.31
• Backfill/Conduit 54.79 to 54.65
53.51 to 53.58 54.12 to 54.46
52.87 to 52.86
Segment 2C Comments:
No non-compliance events occurred. Crews worked near Stream Crossing #46 (EMP 52.77 to 53.30), west of the I-5 bore (EMP 53.51), from EMP 54.09 to 54.79, and at the detour around an Edison Tower (EMP 56.34 to 56.36). Materials for installation of the support wall along the ANF access road were delivered, but construction has not started.
All major construction activities at Whitaker Station (EMP 51.42 to 51.26) are complete except for some electrical work and tie-in to the mainline pipeline on the south side of the station.
No project memos were issued this week.
Segment 2C Schedule for Next Week:
Hydrotesting of the pipe to the south side of Whitaker Station is expected to occur next week. Mainline construction to continue on lands south of ANF border. Electrical work will continue at Whitaker Station.
F. SEGMENT 3A CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS
This segment is within MTA rail right-of-way from San Fernando to Taylor Yard in Los Angeles. Segment 3 EM, Brooke Langle, has been on-site during construction. On Segment 3A, PPSI has four craft inspectors, one part-time environmental inspector, one Native American monitor, and one contaminated soils inspector inspecting the work of approximately 20 contractor employees. Construction progress from October 5 through 9, 1998 included:
Segment 3A Activities:
Activity Milepost (approximate) Activity Milepost (approximate)
• Coating 93.15 (complete) • Conduit 93.04 to 93.15 (complete)
• Backfill 93.04 to 93.15 (complete)
Segment 3A Comments:
No non-compliance events occurred. The bore at Van Nuys Blvd (EMP 79.65) was completed and tie-in was started. Installation of pipe at the Colorado Street continued. Construction of framing for the Fletcher Street overpass concrete box continued.
No project memos were issued this week.
Segment 3A Schedule for Next Week:
Continue with pipe tie-ins at the Van Nuys Blvd and pipe installation at the Colorado Street crossing.
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 one craft inspector inspecting the work of approximately six contractor employees.
Construction progress from October 5 through 9, 1998 included backfilling the two bore sites at Midway Yard. Preparations, including installing pipe hangers, were begun for installing pipe on the Downey Street Bridge over the Los Angeles River. Excavation for tie-in between Segment 3 and Segment 4 occurred at the south end of Cornfield Yard. Plans for next week include installing pipe on the Downey Bridge.
One non-compliance event occurred. Three project memos were also issued this week to remind PPSI that materials cannot be stored on the Los Angeles River access road, that equipment and pipe are in an unapproved work space, and that according to Los Angeles County Flood Control District permits, work in Los Angeles County drainage channels must be completed by October 15, 1998.
Non-Compliance Event for Segment 3B
| Mitigation Measure/PC | Description/Non-compliance Level |
First Observed |
Corrected |
Status |
| C-5.1 - Archaeologist must be present during construction at identified sensitive areas. | Archaeologist was not present during excavation at Cornfield Yard - Level 3 | 10/7/98 |
10/7/98 |
Acceptable |
H. SEGMENT 3C CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS
This segment is within MTA rail right-of-way from Sylmar to San Fernando in Los Angles. Segment 3 EM, Brooke Langle, has been on-site during construction. On Segment 3C, PPSI has two craft inspectors, one part-time environmental inspector, one Native American monitor, and one contaminated soils inspector inspecting the work of approximately 10 contractor employees. Construction progress from September 28 through October 3, 1998 included:
Segment 3C Activities:
Activity Milepost (approximate) Activity Milepost (approximate)
• Pot-hole 74.48 (no progress) • Coating 75.87 to 75.50
• Trench 75.32 to 74.90 • Conduit 76.19 to 75.50
• Lower-In 76.69 to 75.45 • Backfill 76.19 to 75.71
Segment 3C Comments:
No non-compliance events occurred. The bore at Roxford Street (EMP 75.42) began. Crews installed pipe and poured slurry at the Polk Street (EMP 76.51) open-cut. The open-cut of Bledsoe Street (EMP 75.96) began.
No project memos were issued this week.
Segment 3C Schedule for Next Week:
Continue construction north along San Fernando Blvd and complete crossings at Polk and Bledsoe streets.
I. 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 three craft inspectors, one part-time environmental inspector, one Native American monitor, and one part-time contamination inspector inspecting the work of approximately 35 contractor employees. Construction progress from October 5 through 9, 1998 included:
Segment 4A-Night, North Activities:
Activity Milepost (approximate) Activity Milepost (approximate)
• Conduit 98.50 to 98.48 • Backfill 98.50 to 98.48
Segment 4A-Night Comments:
No non-compliance events occurred. Pipe laying at the special crossing of College Street (EMP 98.75) is continuing. At 92nd Street (EMP 106.45), tie-ins were completed under the rail tracks and backfilling and paving operations began.
No project memos were issued this week.
Segment 4A-Night Schedule for Next Week:
Finish installing the pipe at College Avenue and begin dismantling the shoring for the 92nd Street bore pit.
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 EMs, Chris Huntley and Neda Fioozat, have 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 45 contractor employees. Construction progress from October 5 through 10, 1998 included:
Segment 4B Activities:
Activity El Segundo Milepost (approx) Activity El Segundo Milepost (approx)
• Bore 1.88 (Compton Creek) - continue • Bore 1.10 (108th St) - continue
• Bore 6.46 (Dominguez Channel) - continue • Bore 5.40 (Western Av) - continue
Segment 4B Comments:
One non-compliance event occurred. Crews continue to install fiber optic cable. Backfill and slurry were placed around the vault at Compton Creek.
Crews at Lynwood Station (ESMP 0.0) and at El Segundo station (ESMP 10.78) continued general site preparation activities, including compaction, pipe fabrication, form building, and trenching for footings.
A project memo was issued this week to remind PPSI that adequate measures must be taken to protect underground utilities at all times (water line damaged during backfilling).
Non-Compliance Event for Segment 4B
| Mitigation Measure/PC | Description/Non-compliance Level |
First Observed |
Corrected |
Status |
| SS-2.2 - Hand excavate when within 24-inches of marked utilities. | Marked fiber optic line was damaged during repair of damaged water line - Level 3 | 10/8/98 |
10/8/98 |
Acceptable |
Segment 4B Schedule for Next Week:
Complete tie-in at Central Avenue vault site. Work at both stations work will involve preliminary work such as building forms and preparing the site for footings.
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. Work has been completed on Segment 5C, except for the directional drill of Auto Drive South which is expected to begin after the completion of the Cuddy Creek directional drill on Segment 1.
L. VARIANCES
The following variances were approved by CPUC or ANF October 5 through 9, 1998.
Variance # |
Description |
Segment(s) Variance Applies |
Agency Decision |
71 |
Open cut trenching of Bledsoe Street, City of Los Angeles | 3 |
Approved |
101 |
Line extension to serve Edison Pipeline Terminal Company, City of Los Angeles | 5 |
Approved |
114 |
Use certain Angeles National Forest Service access roads beyond October 3, 1998 | 2C |
Approved |
117 |
Allow Sunday construction on the Tejon Bench, Kern County | 1 |
Approved |
118 |
All for 24-hour, Sunday hydrotesting | All |
Approved |
119 |
Extend construction start time from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. north of station 1334+89, Kern County | 1 |
Approved |
120 |
Allow placement of water fill and discharge piping on Fernwood Avenue near the Lynwood Station, City of Lynwood | 4, 5 |
Approved |
M. EXTRA WORK SPACE
No extra work space/equipment storage areas were approved by CPUC or ANF October 5 through 9, 1998.
N. GENERAL PLANS FOR NEXT WEEK
Construction on Segments 1, 2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, and 4B and Emidio, Grapevine, Whitaker, Lynwood and El Segundo stations to continue.