WEEKLY REPORT (August 3 through 9, 1998)
| TO: Andrew Barnsdale, CPUC/Rich Borden, ANF |
| FROM: Hamid Rastegar/Kris Thorne |
| RE: PPSI: Week 59 Report; August 3 through 9, 1998 |
| DATE: August 26, 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) and Segment 4B (El Segundo MP 0 to 11). Construction has resumed on 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 3 through 8, 1998 included:
- Segment 1-North Activities:
- Activity Milepost (approximate)
- Pot-hole 7.44 to 7.41
- Coating 9.91 to 9.09
- Trenching 9.19 to 8.55
- Conduit 9.91 (no progress)
- Lower-In 9.83 to 9.09
- Backfill 9.91 (no progress)
- Segment 1-South Activities:
- Activity Milepost (approximate)
- Lower-In 12.18 to 11.61
- Conduit 14.53 to 13.38
- Coating 13.30 to 12.32
- Backfill 14.53 to 13.38
- Segment 1-Tejon Bench:
- Activity Milepost (approximate)
- Clearing 20.10 to 19.86
- Trenching 19.92 to 19.86
Segment 1 Comments:
No non-compliances occurred. Two separate crews are working on Segment 1. Trenching continued through the Tejon wetland from EMP 20.38 to 20.36. Work continues on the I-5 at Grapevine bore pits (EMP 13.35 and 13.30). The drilling of the pilot hole for the Cuddy Creek directional drill (EMP 25.16) began.
Foundation work at Emidio Pump Station (EMP 0.0) continues. Activity at the Grapevine Pump Station (EMP 15.51 to 15.57) included removal an abandoned 26-inch line and grading of the site.
On the Tejon Bench (EMP 20.10 to 15.57) all activities including pipe stringing reached to EMP 19.86.
A project memo was issued to remind PPSI that Kern County Traffic Control plans require that two driving lanes be open at the I-5 off/on-ramps at Tejon exit.
Segment 1 Schedule for Next Week:
Continue general construction activities with two crews plus the Tejon Bench crew.
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 in 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, 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 3 through 7, 1998, included repairing fiber optic conduit from EMP 42.42 to 42.45. Trench breakers were installed from EMP 45.62 to 45.54 and re-seeding occurred from EMP 44.46 to 44.5647.68 to 48.01. Erosion control repair was done at EMP 38.90, 47.68 to 48.01, 48.14, and 48.31. ANF Program Manager, Rich Borden, was on-site during the week to inspect repairs. No non-compliance events occurred and no project memos were issued. Erosion control repair will continue next week as will fiber optic cable installation.
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 3 through 7, 1998 included:
- Segment 2B Activities:
- Activity Milepost (approximate)
- Pot-hole 70.32 to 71.41
- Conduit 69.55 (no progress)
- Trench 69.96 to 71.41
- Backfill 69.55 (no progress)
- Lower-In 69.77 to 70.62
- Paving 69.55 (no progress)
- Coating 69.77 to 70.36
Segment 2B Comments:
No non-compliance events occurred. The deep bore at Feedmill Road (EMP 64.26) was completed August 8 and crews are preparing to insert casing. Crew continued to excavate the bore pipe for tie-in to mainline at Newhall Land and Farming property adjacent to Valencia Blvd. The bore at Calgrove was halted when the auger encountered boulders within the bore that altered the alignment of the casing.
Project memos were issued to remind PPSI that hand tools shall be utilized within 24 inches of underground utilities, and that revegetation of disturbed soil will commence within 14 days of completion of disturbing activities (referencing the Newhall Land and Farming lands between Valencia Blvd and McBean Parkway).
Segment 2B Schedule for Next Week:
Construction will continue southward along The Old Road with a few crews and the fiber optic installation crew working to the north of Calgrove Road.
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 3 through 7, 1998 included:
- Segment 2C Activities:
- Activity Milepost (approximate)
- Pot-hole 54.17 to 53.28 to 52.70
- Coating 56.65 to 56.53
- Trench 54.67 to 54.34 to 53.25
- Backfill 56.65 to 56.61
- Lower-In 56.65 to 55.47 to 55.34
Segment 2C Comments:
One non-compliance event occurred. ANF Program Manager, Rich Borden, inspected segment progress during the week. Crews began clearing the roadway south of Templin Highway. Flume pipe was installed to protect a running stream at EMP 53.01. Hog and silt fences were installed along culverts and stream crossings to protect them from falling rocks.
Project memos were issued to remind PPSI to confine construction activities to the approved ROW and minimize the disturbed area and that all disturbed areas construction areas shall be watered a minimum of two times per day, including access roads.
Non-Compliance Event for Segment 2C
Mitigation Measure/PC Description/Non-compliance Level
First Observed
Corrected
Status
C-4.1 - Qualified archaeologist monitors ground disturbing activities Access road widened without archaeological monitor present - Level 2 8/4/98
8/4/98
Acceptable
Segment 2C Schedule for Next Week:
Continue early start time (5:00 a.m.) because of increased fire danger. Concentrate on leveling ROW for safe equipment passage.
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 3 through 7, 1998 included:
- Segment 3A Activities:
- Activity Milepost (approximate)
- Trench 95.79 to 96.00
- Conduit 94.58 to 95.89
- Lower-In 95.79 to 96.00
- Backfill 94.58 to 95.89
- Coating 95.60 to 96.00
Segment 3A Comments:
No non-compliance events occurred. Crews began backfilling skipped portions of trench from EMP 88.67 to 89.03 and EMP 91.90. Excavation of receiving pit for ram bore at EMP 94.50 was completed and tie-in began. Block valve set at EMP 95.97.
No project memos were issued this week.
Segment 3A Schedule for Next Week:
Crews to start work at north end of Segment 3. Night work at Tuxford Street scheduled to begin in next two weeks.
G. SEGMENT 3B CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS
This segment is within MTA rail right-of-way in restricted areas of Taylor Yard and involves nighttime construction (9:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.). Segment 3B EM, Pete Messick has been on-site during construction. On Segment 3B, PPSI has two craft inspectors inspecting the work of approximately 25 contractor employees. Construction progress from August 3 through 7, 1998 included the following:
- Segment 3B Activities:
- Activity Milepost (approximate)
- Trenching Complete
- Conduit 96.15 to 96.05
- Lower-In 96.78 to 96.05
- Backfill 96.15 to 96.05
- Coating 96.78 to 96.05
Segment 3B Comments:
No non-compliance events occurred. Construction activities are wrapping-up in the MTA facility. Boring was completed at the deep (26-feet) bore in north Taylor Yard (EMP 94.90). Boring continued under the rail tracks at Midway Yard (EMP 97.38) with slow progress due to rock.
No project memos were issued this week.
Segment 3B Schedule for Next Week:
Construction in this area is expected to be finished by August 15. Continue bore under MTA tracks at Midway Yard.
H. SEGMENT 4A-NIGHT CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS
This segment involves both nighttime (7:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.) and daytime construction 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 six craft inspectors, one environmental inspector, one Native American monitor, and one contamination inspector inspecting the work of approximately 75 contractor employees during nighttime construction. Construction progress from August 3 through 7, 1998 included:
- Segment 4A-Night Activities:
- Activity Milepost (approximate)
- Pot-hole 104.96 to 105.43
- Coating 104.80 to 105.13
- Trench 104.89 to 105.23
- Conduit 104.45 to 104.79
- Lower-In 104.80 to 105.13
- Backfill 104.45 to 104.79
Segment 4A-Night Comments:
No non-compliance events occurred. Contractor has crews at both north and south ends of the segment. The Native American monitor and the PPSI archaeologist divided their time between work south of Florence Avenue and north of Cesar Chavez. Crews at Cesar Chavez Avenue were trenching on the north side of the road. A small crew worked south of Ord Street removing asphalt to verify the locations of the hand-hewn granite blocks.
A project memo was issued to remind PPSI that before the unanticipated cultural resource (hand-hewn granite blocks) at Alameda and N. Main streets is disturbed, proof of consultation regarding the Treatment Plan and an official Treatment Plan must be provided.
Segment 4A-Night Schedule for Next Week:
Contractor to continue having crews working both north and south ends of segment. PPSI to consult with appropriate agencies regarding the unanticipated cultural resource (hand-hewn granite blocks).
I. SEGMENT 4A-DAY CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS
This segment involves both nighttime and daytime 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 two craft inspectors, one environmental inspector, one Native American monitor, and one contamination inspector inspecting the work of approximately 35 contractor employees during nighttime construction. Construction progress from August 3 through 7, 1998 included:
- Segment 4A-Day Activities:
- Activity Milepost (approximate)
- Pot-hole 106.45 (no progress)
- Coating 106.45 (no progress)
- Trench 106.45 (no progress)
- Conduit 106.78 to 106.49
- Lower-In 106.45 (no progress)
- Backfill 106.78 to 106.49
Segment 4A-Day Comments:
No non-compliance events occurred. Backfill and paving crews progressed up E. Alameda to EMP 106.49. Bore crew continuing at Fernwood (107.83).
No project memos were issued this week.
Segment 4A-Day Schedule for Next Week:
Continue general construction activities northward up E. Alameda.
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 3 through 8, 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 1.20 (109th St) - continue
- Bore 1.68 (Slater Av) - continue
- Bore 1.25 (110th St) - continue
Segment 4B Comments:
One non-compliance event occurred. Backfilling activities continued on the west side of Normandie Ave and at the Dominguez crossing. Boring occurred at Imperial Highway. Welding continued at 108th Street (EMP 0.95).
No project memos were issued this week.
Non-Compliance Event for Segment 4B
Mitigation Measure/PC Description/Non-compliance Level
First Observed
Corrected
Status
A-8, P-2(a)* and U-2: Use reclaimed water Contractor using water from fire hydrant - Level 2 8/3/98
8/3/98
Acceptable
Segment 4B Schedule for Next Week:
Continue bores and resume work northward up E. Alameda Street.
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 Native American monitor and one part-time contamination inspector inspecting the work of approximately 8 contractor employees. Construction progress from August 3 through 7, 1998 included:
- Segment 5C Activities:
- Activity Milepost (approximate)
- Pot-hole 112.27 to 113.14
- Clearing 112.27 to 112.59
Segment 5C Comments:
No non-compliance events occurred. Construction activities resumed on August 5 after an extended hiatus. Existing fence was moved to the west to allow for full ROW width yet still restrict public access to site and flood channel.
No project memos were issued this week.
Segment 5C Schedule for Next Week:
The directional drill crew waiting to begin at Auto Drive South.
L. VARIANCES
The following variances were approved by CPUC or ANF August 3 through 7, 1998.
Variance # |
Description |
Segment(s) Variance Applies |
Agency Decision |
89 |
Route change across Tejon Ranch, Kern County | 1 |
Approved |
92 |
Reroute between stations 2918+09 and 2953+89, Los Angeles County | 2C |
Approved |
97 |
Night construction at Los Feliz Blvd undercrossing, City of Glendale | 3A |
Approved |
M. EXTRA WORK SPACE
The following extra work space/equipment storage areas were approved by CPUC or ANF August 3 through 7, 1998.
Request # |
Description |
Segment(s) Request Applies |
Agency Decision |
54 |
Access roads on Tejon Ranch from Wheeler Ridge Road, Kern County | 1 |
Approved |
57 |
Access roads and truck turn-arounds, Los Angeles County | 2C |
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.