Report from the District Engineer (Odyssey Engineering Group)
PROJECTS UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Improvements to Raw Water Tanks at Surface Water Treatment Plant
The District is installing a floating mixer in each of the raw water storage tanks at the Surface Water Treatment Plant located off Skinner Road. The mixers create constant movement in the raw water to limit sediment from settling to the bottom of the tank. In addition, stairs and walkways are being installed as part of this project to improve operator access to the tanks.
Project is complete. District approved final pay estimate and accepted the project.
Electrical Improvements and Generator at Water Plant No. 2
The District is updating the electrical system including installation of a new generator at water plant no. 2 (located near the elevated storage tank).
Project is complete pending installation of new natural gas meter from Centerpoint to the facility. Once that is installed, Contractor will finalize punchlist items and project will be closed out.
Improvements at Water Plant No. 3
The District is modifying the pumps and piping system at water plant no. 3 (located at the end of Willow Bend Dr.).
After discussions with Contractor and Operator, Contractor to mobilize in January 2021. Project will take approximately 60 days. During this time, the water plant will be shut down to facilitate construction.
PROJECTS UNDER DESIGN
The following projects are included in the new fiscal year budgets and were authorized by the District to commence:
Automatic Transfer Switch for Water Plant 1 & Water Well 5
Project includes installation of necessary components to allow the connection of a portable generator to provide electricity to the facilities, if the electrical grid is not providing the required electricity.
Engineer is finalizing exhibits and specifications for bidding the proposed project. Bids will be solicited during January 2021.
Epoxy Repairs on Structural Levee
Project includes re-grouting and applying of epoxy to maintain the structural levee walls in the District.
Coatings inspection has been completed which indicated that ants were the primary reason for the epoxy degradation. District will perform ant treatment on levee and rehabilitation will include a pesticide to prevent this from occurring in the future.
Engineer is finalizing exhibits and specifications for bidding the proposed project. Bids will be solicited during January 2021.
Bullhead Slough – Phase Two
Project will dredge and rehabilitate the side slopes of the portion of Bullhead Slough between Oyster Creek and Farmer Road.
Bids were opened for the project with four bids received. Low bidder is Storm Water Solutions with a bid of $186,139.00 which is below the budgeted amount of $250,000. The District awarded the contract to Storm Water Solutions. Construction operations expected to commence in January 2021.
Main Channel Clean Out – Phase Two and Three
Project includes dredging of the main drainage channel between Pitts Road and Plantation Road and the South Pump Station, located at F.M. 359
Bids were opened for the project with two bids received. Low bidder is Environmental Allies with a bid of $62,481.02 which is below the budgeted amount of $121,800.00. The District awarded the contract to Environmental Allies. Construction operations expected to commence in February 2021.
Administration Building
Project includes construction of an administration building to serve the District and community at the southern edge of Pecan Grove Park on Pitts Road (adjacent to the PGVFD south station).
Bids were opened on the project on November 17, 2020. District awarded the contract to O’Donnell Snider with a bid of $1,634,220.00 as the bid considered most advantageous to the District.
Additionally, District rescinded the termination of the agreement between the architect for the project, Method Architecture. The design committee is working on minor modifications to accommodate additional requests by the Board.
Sanitary Sewer Smoke Testing and Televising
District authorized Odyssey and EDP to proceed with the budgeted smoke testing and televising of older sections of sanitary sewer collection system to determine if any structural issues exist in the system.
Surface Water Plant Driveway Modifications
Due to Fort Bend County’s planned extension of Brandt Road and planned intersection modifications of Brandt Road and Skinner Lane, the District’s driveway to the surface water treatment plant must be modified to accommodate future access. The District will be reimbursed for engineering and construction costs of these modifications. Modifications include relocation of driveway, access gate and related fencing and electrical work to accommodate new entry location.
District authorized Engineer to proceed with design of the modifications.
OTHER ENGINEERING ITEMS
AT&T Damage to District Facilities
Odyssey reported that AT&T has illegally accessed and installed fiber optic and related appurtenances in the District’s levee between the District and Harvest Green development. The estimated costs to repair the damage is approximately $45,000. District authorized CDC Unlimited to proceed with repairs and instructed Odyssey to work with ABHR to seek reimbursement from AT&T of costs incurred due to unauthorized access and installation.
FEMA Reimbusement
The District received an additional $22,331.85 from FEMA related to federal reimbursement grant programs for costs associated with the rehabilitation of the Plantation 4/5 Detention Basin.