Engineering Updates – March 28, 2023

Engineer’s Report

Projects Under Construction

Interior Ladders for Raw Water Tanks

Project includes installing ladders inside the raw water storage tanks at the surface water treatment plant to provide additional safety for the operators of the District. The Board approved Pay Request No. 2 & Final in the amount of $27,750. This completes the project.

Generators for Water Plant No. 1 and Water Well No. 5

Project includes installing natural gas generators for the water plant located on Pitts Road and the remote water well located near Austin Elementary. Engineer reported that the Contractor is working to schedule the meter installations for both facilities with CenterPoint and that this is the final remaining item on the contract.

Levee Property Acquisition

Engineer reported the Notice to Proceed was issued to Contractor, Greenscape & Associates, on November 14, 2022. The engineer reported that the project is substantially complete, pending submittal of final paperwork from Contractor.

Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation

Project consists of rehabilitation of existing sanitary sewer lines within the District. The contract was previously awarded to King Solutions Services, LLC. Field work on the project is complete.

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. The board approved Pay Request No. 1 & Final in the amount of $43,900. The Engineer reported that the project is complete.

Northwest Pecan Grove Park Ramp

Project includes construction of a ramp and trail to facilitate access to the walking trail on top of the levee as it passes through Pecan Grove Park on Pitts Road. Field work on the project is complete. Board approved Pay Request No. 2 in the amount of $35,643.60 and Change Order No. 1, for City of Richmond permitting fees, in the amount of $3,900.00

Projects Under Design

Facility Arc Flash Study – Phase 1

Project includes analysis of District facilities with control panels to ensure compliance with current electrical standards. Phase 1 includes surface water treatment plant and water plant nos. 1, 2 & 3.

  • Preliminary Schedule
    • Authorize Phase 1 Study – October 2022
    • Study Complete – March 2023

Preliminary engineering is underway and information from CenterPoint has been requested to proceed with the study.

Pecan Grove Park Perimeter Walking Trail/Sidewalk

Project includes design and construction of a walking trail around Pecan Grove Park. Contracts with Queen Constructors have been executed and under review by MUD attorney. Notice to Proceed expected to be issued in late April. The Parks Committee will meet to review trail paths and discuss placement of future trees.

Waterline Rehabilitation – Phase 1

Project includes design and construction replacement waterline along Morton League Road. Contracts are being executed by the contractor, SKE Construction, LLC. Once fully executed, the Engineer will schedule a pre-construction meeting with the contractor, operator and City of Richmond.

Rehabilitation of Chemical Feed System at Surface Water Plant

Project includes modifications and rehabilitation of the chemical feed system at the surface water plant to increase efficiency and due to components reaching design life.

  • Preliminary Schedule
    • Design and Plan Production – Complete December 2022 (90 days)
    • Solicit Bids and Execute Contracts – Start January 2023 (90 days)
    • Anticipated NTP – early 2nd Quarter 2023
    • Construction Complete – 3rd Quarter 2023

The engineer determined that the bids received last month were significantly higher due to a miscommunication between the engineer, supplier of equipment and the contractors. Based on the Engineer recommendations, the Board rejected all received bids and authorized Engineer to re-advertise project for construction.

Storm Sewer Outfall and Levee Penetration Televising

Project includes inspection of all storm sewer outfalls and pipes that penetrate the levee to determine pipe conditions. The field work is complete, the contractor expects to submit a report for the Engineer to review in early April.

Access Road at North Pump Station

Project includes improvements of access road to serve the North Pump Station.

  • Schedule
    • Solicit Bids and Execute Contracts – Start March 2023 (60 days)
    • Anticipated NTP –2nd Quarter 2023
    • Construction Complete – 3rd Quarter 2023

Engineer reported that they are addressing agency comments on the construction plans. The Board authorized the engineer to solicit bids for construction for the proposed improvements.

Internal Drainage and Ponding Study

Project includes detailed flooding analysis incorporating Fort Bend County increase rainfall intensities as well as determining the primary location of ponding inside the levee.

  • Schedule
    • Preliminary Report Complete – May 2023
    • Agency Review – Complete July 2023 (60 days)
    • Finalize Report – August 2023 (30 days)

Preliminary engineering is underway.

Old South Drive Culvert and Road Repairs

Project includes removing and replacing a portion of Old South Drive over the culvert connection of Bullhead Bayou. Project will also include grout filling and stabilization of any erosion discovered during road repair.

  • Schedule
    • Anticipated NTP –late 2nd Quarter 2023
    • Construction Complete – 3rd Quarter 2023

The Engineer reported that Odyssey is addressing agency comments on the construction plans. The Board authorized the engineer to advertise for construction bids for the proposed improvements.

South Pump Station Generator

Project includes replacement of existing diesel generator at the South Pump Station.

  • Schedule
    • Advertise Bids and Execute Contracts – May 2023 (90 days)
    • Anticipated NTP –3rd Quarter 2023
    • Construction Complete – 3rd Quarter 2024

Engineer reported that the project is on schedule to receive bids prior to the May 2023 meeting.

South Pump Station Headwall Modification and Redundant Closure Devices

Project includes modification of headwall structure for the South Stormwater pump station to allow for the design and installation of back up closure devices.

  • Schedule
    • Agency Review completed by mid-April 2023
    • Revise Plans and Resubmit for Approval – end of May 2023
    • Plans Fully Approved – end of June 2023

Design and construction plan preparation is underway.

North Pump Station Redundant Closure Devices

Project includes design and installation of back up closure devices at the North Pump Station.

  • Schedule
    • Agency Review completed by May 2023
    • Revise Plans and Resubmit for Approval – June 2023
    • Plans Fully Approved – July 2023

Design and construction plan preparation is underway.

Wastewater Treatment Electrical Improvements & Generator Replacement

Project includes update of the control panel and related electrical system at the wastewater treatment plant as well as replacement of the existing generator.

  • Schedule
    • Advertise Bids and Execute Contracts – May 2023 (90 days)
    • Anticipated NTP –3rd Quarter 2023
    • Construction Complete – 3rd Quarter 2024

The project is on schedule to receive bids prior to the May 2023 meeting.

Bond Issue No. 18

This Project includes preparation of a bond issue application for $6,600,000. Bond issue application report was submitted to the TCEQ and deemed Administratively Complete on March 27, 2023. TCEQ is expected to complete the review within forty-five days. The bonds are anticipated to sell in June/July 2023.

Additional Engineering Items

The Engineer reported that geotechnical investigation on the Jones Creek floodwall determined that season shrink/swell activity was the likely cause of the wall shifting and recommended repair method includes injecting chemical stabilizers into the soil. The estimated cost to inject soil stabilizers and regrout the flood wall is approximately $125,000. After discussion on fund availability, the Board authorized Engineer to obtain a formal bid from the sole supplier of the soil stabilizer.