Water Committee
Meeting Minutes
June 13 and 15, 2001

Present: Jim Davis Rick Johnson Will Potter Mike Shelton John Woods Harriet Vaugeois

Also Present on the 15th: Don Canella Vern Jaschke Dave Olson

This Committee met on Wednesday, June 13th to plan for the meeting on Friday, June 15th. The following are the results of the meeting on the 15th.

Jaschke presented a document outlining his recommended protocol and requisite data for the completion of leak detection and repair of leaks in the water system to get us to the point of sanitization and testing for approval for use. He also presented a suggested method for measuring the amount of storage tank leakage to enhance the process. Jaschke’s plan calls for testing of 5,000 to 8,000 or more feet of pipeline at a time, adjusted for existing positions of valves. The first step is to run the pumps and fill tank #1. Then fill each of the other two tanks at least half full.

From the data provided by Vern, OPEC would be held accountable for the AWWA allowable leakage rate targeted at 1,277 gallons per day, based on the size and amounts of pipe used in our system. It was suggested that the actual allowable leakage rate might be adjusted upward to reflect the demographics and topography of our system versus a typical municipal system.

The following priority outline was established:

1. Replace the broken valve in pump #1 so the pumps can be operated. The part has arrived and will be installed ASAP. In his role as the project engineer, Jaschke will sign off on the repairs to pump #1.
   
2. Fill the tanks half way by manually operating the pumps. Jaschke says we should not attempt to test the automatic operation of the pump system until all major leaks are determined and fixed. Pump #1 will be turned on manually and then pumps #2, 3 and 4 will work “semi-automatically” by design. Since tank #2 ended up sitting a little lower than it should have, it needs to be filled at least half way for tank #3 to begin filling.
   
3. Start checking for leaks. Begin by the line from the City tap to pump #1, then the balance of the line from pump #1 to tank #1. Once that is done with satisfactory results, the lines from the three tanks can be checked, beginning with the main line connecting the tanks. This must be done very methodically. Jaschke will illustrate on a map, using color-coding, the sequence in which the lines from each tank are to be tested. John Woods reported that Tom Stephens had set up such a schedule and Jaschke will review it when designing his schedule. It was noted that from pump #4 to tank #1 there are three or four feeder lies that must be isolated to complete the test of the main line to tank #1.

OPEC will return on June 27th to begin work. OPEC will send two qualified people that Jaschke will orient to the protocol. OPEC will be responsible for testing, leak detection and fixing of the leaks. Jaschke will approve the final test results of the system. OPEC will document all work done on the pipelines. On the lines from tank #1, Canella proposed filling all the lines feeding from it because most of the testing of those lines has already been completed and major leaks fixed. OPEC will then test the leak rate and if it is not in the allowable rate, they will go back and test the lines individually, according to Jaschke’s designated schedule for that tank. This proposal was acceptable to Jaschke and the Committee. Lines from tanks #2 and #3 will be tested individually according to Jaschke’s protocol.

The question of adding additional strainers and gate valves was raised. Jaschke responded that if his protocol for fully flushing the lines is followed as a preliminary to the testing process neither item is required to complete the job.

Canella then expressed his concerns about the security of the system. He does not want access to the process in “too many hands”. It was determined that four specific areas need to be secured with restricted access. The hydrants, pump boxes, tank hatches and seatrain storage units will have their current locks replaced by OPEC and the access will be turned over to the Water Committee after the work is completed. During the process, only OPEC, Jaschke and the Water Committee observer will share access.

Jaschke made two closing observations: First, we need to be conscious of how much water we are using in this work so we are not wasteful of water or money; second, he advised exploring the opportunity of getting approval to allow household taps to be hooked up as each segment of the system is checked and approved. That would begin continuous flow of water through the system and help cover water costs. The Committee will determine if the Health Department allows such a concept.

The subject turned to roads and trench sinkings from the construction. Canella stated that he had talked to Cairlo Excavating (the POA road maintenance contractor) and they are about to enter discussions on an agreement between them. Canella stated that OPEC is willing and prepared to pay Cairlo a monthly fee to cover OPEC’s contractual obligation under the terms of the construction contract to repair trench sinkage now and for the term of the warranty period. Canella also said that upon his return to his office, he would see that the reimbursement for road material expenses incurred by the POA last year would be paid. As the Metro District invoiced OPEC, they will pay the Metro District and Metro will, in turn, reimburse the POA.

Davis will send a letter summarizing the meeting results to OPEC with a copy to the bonding company.

The next regularly scheduled Water Committee meeting is June 26th at 4:00 p.m. at Davis’. This meeting will be used to prepare for the “kick off” meeting with OPEC and Jaschke on June 27th at 10:00 a.m. at Johnson’s. Jaschke will have the map of the system outlining the testing protocol available on June 27th.