CONSTRUCTION MONITORING
Segment 1 Construction: Segment 1 runs from the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley at Emidio, through the Tejon Pass, to the northern boundary of the ANF in Los Angeles County. Construction of Segment 1 commenced on November 5, 1997. Primary activities during the month of June are presented in Table 1. No non-compliance events occurred on Segment 1 during June.
During June, clearing, grading, and compaction of the Emidio Pump Station (EMP 0.0 to 0.07) was completed and the site was surveyed. Vegetation clearance at the Grapevine Pump Station (EMP 15.57) also began in late-June. Cultural resources were located on Segment 1 during trenching activities. After the site was assessed by an archaeologist and a Native American in accordance with the project Cultural Resources Management Plan, trenching was allowed to resume. Excavation of bore pits for the Interstate 5 (I-5) bore (EMP 21.10) was conducted in June, while concrete-coated pipe was installed from the east side of the Lebec I-5 bore (EMP 20.77). Tie-in welding and x-ray of the Gorman Slide directional drill was conducted.
Table 1. Construction Activities for Segment 11
Activity |
Milepost (approximate) |
Pot-hole | 12.19 to 15.45, 19.71 to 21.45 |
Clearing | 12.29 to 15.45 |
Trench | 13.18 to 15.45, 20.56 to 22.30 |
Lower-In | 15.18 to 15.45, 20.67 to 22.30 |
Coating | 15.18 to 15.45, 20.67 to 22.64 |
Conduit | 20.79 to 22.74 |
Backfill | 20.79 to 22.74 |
Emidio Pump Station | 0.00 |
Grapevine Pump Station | 15.57 |
Bore (Lebec I-5) | 20.77 |
Bore (I-5) | 21.20 |
Directional Drill (Gorman Slide) - Completed | 25.94 |
Bore (Stream Crossing #21) - Completed | 27.81 |
Bore (Gorman Creek) - Completed | 32.40 |
Bore (Copco Road) - Completed | 32.71 |
Valve Site (Copco Road) - Completed | 32.81 |
1. Construction progress from June 1 through June 28.
Segment 2A/C (ANF) Construction: Construction within the ANF (Segment 2A) began on June 27, 1997 and was completed to Templin Highway on November 9, with the exception of some erosion repair, revegetation, valve, and conduit requirements. During June, roadway clearing and repair of wash out roads to gain access to the project right-of-way was conducted, and work at the valve sites (Copco Road and Reservoir Summitt) and installation of fiber optic cable pull boxes commenced. Review and modification of the Whitaker Station Tank Report continued during June; this report analyzes the feasibility of eliminating the pressure relief tank at the Whitaker Station. Construction of Segment 2C, Templin Highway to southern ANF boundary, commenced on June 22; pot-hole (EMP 55.95 to 56.80) and trenching (56.53 to 56.80).
Segment 2B Construction: Segment 2B runs from the southern boundary of the ANF to Sylmar, paralleling I-5. Construction of Segment 2B commenced on November 6, 1997. Primary activities during the month of June are presented in Table 2. Table 3 presents the non-compliance events that occurred on Segment 2B during June.
On June 8, a Stop Work Order was issued by the CPUC for failure to implement the requirements of the Pacific Pipeline Project Mitigation Monitoring, Compliance, and Reporting Program, Mitigation Measure SS-2 (which states that PPSI shall use hand tools in utility intensive areas and within 24 inches of underground structures). A Notice to Proceed was issued by the CPUC on June 9 after a written response to the Stop Work Order was received and reviewed. Construction activities resumed on June 10.
During June, the Los Angeles County inspector was on-site to monitor traffic controls. Work continued on the rural lands between Valencia Boulevard and McBean Parkway, including the bores of numerous oak trees to prevent damage to the root systems of the trees. However, on June 15, a Los Angeles County Fire Inspector suspended construction activities until brush was cleared and fire retardant was applied along the edge of the trench line. Work resumed in the area on June 17. Excavation of a 22-foot deep bore pit at Feedmill Road (EMP 63.90) commenced.
Table 2. Construction Activities for Segment 2B1
Activity |
Milepost (approximate) |
Pot-hole | 67.18 to 67.93 |
Trench | 67.18 to 67.75 |
Lower-In | 65.36 to 67.70 |
Conduit | 65.21 to 67.37 |
Coating | 65.36 to 67.70 |
Backfill | 65.21 to 67.37 |
Paving | 65.21 to 67.22 |
Bore (Church Street) | 58.24 |
Directional Drill (Castaic Creek) Completed |
61.12 |
Valve (Santa Clara River) - Completed | 63.15 |
Bore (Feedmill Road) | 63.90 |
Directional Drill (Santa Clara River) Completed | 64.02 |
Valve (Pico Canyon Road) | 67.33 |
1. Construction progress from June 1 through June 28.
Table 3. Non-Compliance Events for Segment 2B1
|
|
|
|
|
|
2B |
SS.2 - Hand tools shall be used within 24 inches of underground structures. | A marked underground utility was hit during excavation. | 6/1/98 |
Yes |
Acceptable |
2B |
SS.2 - Hand tools shall be used within 24 inches of underground structures. | A marked underground utility was hit during excavation. | 6/2/98 |
Yes |
See above discussion regarding shut down |
1. Non-compliance reports issued from June 1 through June 28.
Segment 3 Construction: Segment 3 runs from Sylmar to Dodger Stadium, primarily within MTA right-of-way. Construction within the City of San Fernando, between Wolfskill and Jessie Streets (approximately 190 feet), began on September 30, 1997, and was completed on October 7, 1997. Construction of the remaining portions of Segment 3 commenced on October 28. 1997. On February 5, 1998, a mini-crew began work on Segment 3 in the vicinity of Los Feliz (referred to as "Los Feliz" crew). This crew worked primarily at the StorItAll facility and the Glendale Boulevard bore which were completed during April 1998. In April 1998, Segment 3 construction was divided into two spreads (Segment 3A which runs from San Fernando to south of Taylor Yard, and Segment 3B which runs from Taylor Yard to Alameda Street). Primary activities during the month of June are presented in Table 4. Table 5 presents the non-compliance events that occurred on Segment 3 during June.
Segment 3A - On June 8, a Stop Work Order was issued by the CPUC for failure to implement the requirements of the Pacific Pipeline Project Mitigation Monitoring, Compliance, and Reporting Program, Mitigation Measures B-AQ-1, PC5 (which states that PPSI shall refuel at least 0.25 miles from any wetland or stream) and A-2, PC1 (which states that construction activities shall stay within the approved right-of-way at all times). A Notice to Proceed was issued by the CPUC on June 9 after a written response to the Stop Work Order was received and reviewed. Construction activities resumed on June 10.
During June, Segment 3A construction activities were centered in Taylor Yard. Bores were completed at Broadway Street (91.68) and at Harvard Street (EMP 91.88). In addition, the bore of the tracks near Goodwin Avenue (EMP 92.35) continued and the excavation of the deep (26 feet) bore pit in north Taylor Yard (EMP 94.90) commenced.
Table 4. Construction Activities for Segment 31
Segment |
Activity |
Milepost (approximate) |
Wolfskill to Jessie Streets | Cased bore - Completed | 78.52 |
Pipeline/conduit installation - Completed | 78.37 to 78.57 |
|
Segment 3A |
Pothole | No Progress |
Trench | 93.98 to 94.49, 95.32 to 95.65 |
|
Lowering-In | 93.98 to 94.23, 95.32 to 95.65 |
|
Coating | 93.98 to 94.23, 94.86 to 95.53 |
|
Conduit | 93.98 to 94.02, 94.69 to 95.57 |
|
Backfill | 93.98 to 94.02, 94.69 to 95.52 |
|
Bore (Paxton Street) - Completed | 79.11 |
|
Bore (Pierce Avenue) - Completed | 79.93 |
|
Bore (Osborne Street) - Completed | 80.74 |
|
Bore (Branford Street) - Completed | 81.29 |
|
Valve - Completed | 81.48 |
|
Bore (Sheldon Street) - Completed | 82.11 |
|
Bore (Penrose Street) - Completed | 83.48 |
|
Bore (Sunland Avenue) - Completed | 84.09 |
|
Bore (Arvilla Avenue) - Completed | 85.02 |
|
Bore (Buena Vista Avenue) - Completed | 86.43 |
|
Directional Drill (Burbank Crossing) - Completed | 86.91 |
|
Bore (Bekins Way) | 90.87 |
|
Bore (West Broadway Ave.) - Completed | 91.70 |
|
Bore (Harvard Street) - Completed | 91.88 |
|
Bore (tracks @ Goodwin Avenue) | 92.35 |
|
Bore (north Taylor Yard) | 94.90 |
|
Segment 3B |
Pot-hole | 96.34 to 96.98 |
Trench | 96.34 to 96.74, 98.43 to 98.50 |
|
Lower-In | 98.39 to 98.43 |
|
Coating | 98.39 to 98.40 |
|
Conduit | 98.39 to 98.40 |
|
Backfill | 98.36 to 98.39 |
|
Bore (railroad tracks near 110 Freeway) | 97.46 |
|
Valve | 98.48 |
|
Los Feliz |
Pipeline Installation - Completed | 93.14 to 93.78 |
Valves (StorItAll) - Completed | 93.48 |
|
Bore (Glendale Blvd.) - Completed | 93.78 |
1. Construction progress from June 1 through June 28.
Table 5. Non-Compliance Events for Segment 31
|
|
|
|
|
|
3A |
B.AQ.1.5 - Refuleing and maintenance will occur at least 0.25 miles away from streams and wetlands. | Refueling occurred with 0.25 miles of the Los Angeles River - Level 3 | 6/1/98 |
Yes |
See above discussion regarding shut down |
1. Non-compliance reports issued from June 1 through June 28.
Segment 3B - On June 8, a Stop Work Order was issued by the CPUC for failure to implement the requirements of the Pacific Pipeline Project Mitigation Monitoring, Compliance, and Reporting Program, Mitigation Measures A-2, PC1 (which states that construction activities shall stay within the approved right-of-way at all times) and C-3, PC3 (which states that project personnel stay within the approved right-of-way at all times). A Notice to Proceed was issued by the CPUC on June 9 after a written response to the Stop Work Order was received and reviewed. Construction activities resumed on June 10.
During June, Segment 3B construction activities were centered in Midway Yard (daytime construction) and the MTA Taylor Yard Maintenance Facility (nighttime construction). During the week of June 15 through 19, little daytime construction activities occurred as excavation of rock under a Union Pacific Railroad spur line continued throughout the week. Daytime construction activities were completed the week of June 22 through 26, and equipment was moved to the Taylor Yard Maintenance Facility.
Segment 4 Construction: Segment 4 is being constructed by two separate crews. Construction of Segment 4A, from downtown Los Angeles to Watts Junction, began on October 20, 1997, and is being conducted from 7:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., Monday night through Friday night, to minimize traffic impacts. Segment 4B construction (daytime), from Watts Junction to the Chevron El Segundo Refinery, commenced on October 23, 1997. Primary activities during the month of June are presented in Table 6. No non-compliance events occurred on Segment 4 during June.
Segment 4A - On June 8, a Stop Work Order was issued by the CPUC for failure to implement the requirements of the Pacific Pipeline Project Mitigation Monitoring, Compliance, and Reporting Program, Mitigation Measure SS-2 (which states that PPSI shall use hand tools in utility intensive areas and within 24 inches of underground structures). A Notice to Proceed was issued by the CPUC on June 9 after a written response to the Stop Work Order was received and reviewed. Construction activities resumed on June 9.
During June, Segment 4A construction activities were focused on the north and south ends of the segment. On June 1, Segment 4A construction hours were extended from 8:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., to 7:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. in accordance with approved Variance Request #8 (amended). Hand-excavation continued throughout June near Commerical Street (EMP 99.38) because of the dense concentration of underground utilities. Progress on Segment 4A was slow during June due to the highly unstable soils being traversed by the right-of-way, requiring the extensive use of shoring and shoring jacks to stabilize the trench walls. Traffic controls continued to be a concern.
Segment 4B - During June, the directional drill pullback at the 110/105 interchange was completed after working throughout Sunday night. PPSI received four noise complaints which were dealt with to the satisfaction of all parties involved. Excavation for a block valve east of Crenshaw Boulevard (ESMP 6.38) was completed during June. A specialty crew began excavation of crossing at E. Alameda Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard (107.5) and continued north of Fernwood Avenue (EMP 108.3).
Table 6. Construction Activities for Segment 41
Segment |
Activity |
Milepost (approximate) |
4A |
Pot-hole | 99.38 to 99.42, 102.31 to 103.89 |
Trench | 99.38 to 99.42, 102.08 to 103.45 |
|
Lower-In | 101.78 to 103.30 |
|
Coating | 101.73 to 103.22 |
|
Conduit | 101.62 to 103.11 |
|
Backfill | 101.62 to 103.02 |
|
4B |
Pot-hole | ESMP 1.83 |
Trench | 107.5 to 108.3 |
|
Backfill | ESMP 6.47, 9.23 |
|
Bore (Central Avenue) | ESMP 1.83 |
|
Bore (Belhaven Street) | ESMP 1.93 |
|
Bore (Avalon Street) | ESMP 2.53 |
|
Bore (Main Street) - completed | ESMP 3.05 |
|
Bore (Vermont Avenue) - completed | ESMP 4.10 |
|
Bore (Budlong Avenue) - completed | ESMP 4.34 |
|
Bore (Van Ness Avenue) - completed | ESMP 5.92 |
|
Block Vavle (east of Crenshaw Blvd.) | ESMP 6.38 |
|
Bore (Crenshaw Blvd.) - completed | ESMP 6.46 |
|
Bore (Prairie Avenue) | ESMP 7.45 |
|
Bore (York Avenue) - completed | ESMP 7.52 |
|
Bore (Oxford Avenue) - | ESMP 7.58 |
|
Bore ( Menlo Avenue) - completed | ESMP 7.64 |
|
Bore (Freeman Ave.) - completed | ESMP 7.70 |
|
Bore (Cedar Avenue) - completed | ESMP 7.76 |
|
Bore (Birch Avenue) | ESMP 7.82 |
|
Bore (Hawthorne Blvd.) - completed | ESMP 7.97 |
|
Bore (Grevillea Avenue) - completed | ESMP 8.09 |
|
Bore (Inglewood Avenue) - completed | ESMP 8.46 |
|
Bore (Eucalyptus Avenue) - completed | ESMP 8.84 |
|
Bore (Aviation Blvd.) - unsuccessful | ESMP 9.61 |
|
Bore ( Douglas Blvd) - completed | ESMP 9.84 |
|
Directional Drill (Aviation Boulevard) | ESMP 9.61 |
|
Directional Drill (Douglas & Sepulveda) - Completed | ESMP 10.60 |
1. Construction progress from June 1 through June 28.
Segment 5 Construction: This segment involved 3 phases of operation, construction of Segment 5A (Dominguez Channel to Sepulveda Blvd. - MP 116.21 to 116.75) was completed on July 18, 1997, with the exception of a section of suspended pipe at Dominguez Channel (approximately 300 feet) and where skips between segments remain. Construction of Segment 5B (along Alameda Street south of Sepulveda Blvd. and south along Henry Ford to Anaheim Street - MP 116.75 to 118.83) was completed during September 1997. Construction of Segment 5C (remainder of Segment 5 - MP 107.95 to 116.21) commenced on August 29, 1997. No non-compliance events occurred on Segment 5 during June.
During June, crews laid and backfilled pipe through the dried-up pond at EMP 116.91. On June 2, the bore under Sepulveda Boulevard (EMP 116.80) was halted when fumes were detected emanating from the bore casing. OSHA was notified and stopped work immediately due to high levels of toxic, as well as flammable emissions. On June 3, OSHA directed the continuation of the bore using water to lower the levels of emissions to safe working levels. The bore was completed on June 9. Limited construction activities involving the tie-in and fiber optic conduit installation at Sepulveda Boulevard continued sporadically through the later half of June.
VARIANCES
During June, the following variances were approved/denied:
Table 7. Variance Approvals/Denials
Variance # |
Description |
Segment(s) Variance Applies |
Agency Decision |
77 |
Relocated fiber optic cable in the shoulder of The Old Road. | 2B |
Approved |
83 |
Refuel within 0.25 miles of the Los Angeles
River, > 200 feet. |
3B |
Approved |
84 |
Refuel within 0.25 miles of the Los Angeles
River, < 100 feet. |
3B |
Approved |
86 |
Allow 24-hour operations during hydro-testing activities. | 1, 2, 3 |
Approved |
87 |
Request to not use reclaimed water during night construction activities in Taylor Yard. | 3B |
Approved |
CONSTRUCTION YARDS/STAGING AREAS
During June, the following construction yards/staging areas were approved/denied:
Table 8. Construction Yard/Staging Area Approvals/Denials
Request # |
Construction Yard/Staging Area |
Applicable Segment(s) |
Agency Decision |
43 |
Extra work space within Taylor Yard near entry road off of San Fernando Road. | 3B |
Approved |
44 |
Extra work space within Taylor Yard south of MTA maintenance building. | 3B |
Approved |
45 |
Extra work space at MTAs Lot "C" in Taylor Yard. | 3B |
Approved |
Compliance Documentation: PPSIs general plans and reports have been submitted and approved by the CPUC and ANF. Outstanding plan issues relate only to proposed revisions to approved plans (submitted by PPSI as variance requests, documented above) or updated plans. The remaining compliance issues that must be documented prior to or during construction on each segment relate to: (1) obtaining permits or landowner agreements from local jurisdictions and landowners, (2) completion of Traffic Control Plans and their approval by local jurisdictions, and (3) completion of the landowner, resident, and business notification processes.
The review and modification of the Whitaker Station Tank Report continued during June to determine if the elimination of the pressure relief tank is feasible (as concluded by the report); construction of the Whitaker Station will not proceed until a final determination is made regarding tank elimination.
CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE
Table 9 presents the current construction schedule for Pacific Pipeline.
Table 9. Construction Segment Schedule
Segment |
Original Construction Schedule |
Revised Construction Start Date |
Estimated Construction Completion Date1 |
Segment 1 | July 1, 1997 |
Under construction since November 5, 1997 |
August 18, 1998 |
Segment 2A2 | June 2, 1997 |
Erosion repairs, valve & conduit completion, & revegetation underway since June 18, 1998 |
August 22, 1998 |
Segment 2B | Mid-August, 1997 |
Under construction since November 6, 1997 |
August 11, 1998 |
Segment 2C3 | Originally scheduled for completion as part of Segment 2A |
Under construction since June 22, 1998 |
August 4, 1998 |
Segment 3 | July 1, 1997 |
Under construction since September 30, 1997 |
June 17, 19984 |
Segment 4A1 | July 1, 1997 |
Under construction since October 20, 1997 |
August 14, 1998 |
Segment 4A2 | Originally scheduled for completion as part of Segment 4A1 |
July 1998 |
July 17, 1998 |
Segment 4B | August 25, 1997 |
Under construction since October 23, 1997 |
June 15, 19984 |
Segment 5 | July 1, 1997 |
Under construction since July 14, 1997 |
May 28, 19984 |
Emidio Pump Station | October 1997 |
Under construction since June 11, 1998 |
July 29, 1998 |
Grapevine Pump Station | Under construction since June 29, 1998 |
July 29, 1998 |
|
Whitaker Pressure Relief Station | Contingent upon approval of Whitaker Tank Report |
August 10, 1998 |
|
Lynwood Station | July/August 1998 |
June 9, 19984 |
|
El Segundo | July/August 1998 |
July 27, 1998 |
|
Wilmington | July/August 1998 |
August 10, 1998 |
|
Ultramar | July/August 1998 |
August 14, 1998 |
PPSI has been informed in the past that delays and the addition of multiple crews/spreads per segment could cause additional costs due to monitor costs. We try to reassign monitors to multiple spreads, if at all possible. In some cases, the addition of multiple spreads requires the need for additional monitors.
PUBLIC ACCESS PROGRAM
Due to the lack of public interest in visiting the MMCRP Walk-In Sites (that was in operation from July 1997 through February 1998), our Student Interns no longer staff the Valley Family Center site in San Fernando, and the Parents of Watts site in Watts on a scheduled basis. However, project documents and PPSI computers remain at the sites for public use, and MMCRP Student Interns available on an as-needed basis (i.e., by appointment). The project information hotline and project newsletter, provide information on how to make an appointment for the Walk-In Sites
During June, no members of the public made appointments to visit the MMCRP Walk-In sites in San Fernando and Watts.
The hotline message and project web site continue to be updated as the project progresses. During June, no messages were left on the hotline, and the web site received 257 hits.
Environmental Justice: As of June, PPSI is in compliance with all construction-related aspects of the mitigation measures applicable to minority populations and low-income populations. These measures include: ML-1 (Community Outreach and Communications Program), ML-2 (Community Partnership Program), ML-3 (Local Community and MBE Hiring Program), and ML-6 (implementation of the BIMP).