Engineering Updates – October 31, 2023

Projects Under Construction

Engineer’s Report

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. Notice to proceed was issued on August 24, 2023. Odyssey is reviewing submittals from contractor.

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. Notice to Proceed was issued on October 2, 2023.  Generator submittal has been approved and is on order.  Contractor waiting on delivery schedule.  Engineer is reviewing additional Contractor submittals.

South Pump Station Generator

Project includes replacement of existing diesel generator at the South Pump Station. Notice to Proceed was issued on October 2, 2023.  Generator submittal has been approved and is on order.  Contractor is waiting on a delivery schedule.  Engineer is reviewing additional Contractor submittals. Board approved Change Order No. 1 for $13,600 which includes an increase in the natural gas line to the generator as well as a credit on the City of Richmond permit fees.

Access Road at North Pump Station

Project includes improvements of access road to serve the North Pump Station. Board approved Pay Request No. 1 & Final in the amount of $73,956 and accepted the project as complete.

HVAC Rehabilitation at SWTP

Project includes rehabilitation of HVAC system at Surface Water Treatment Plant Building. Engineer reviewed the reference and qualifications of Fresh Air LP and recommended award.  At the September 2023 meeting, the Board awarded the contract based on the Engineer’s Recommendation.  Fresh Air LP is working on execution of the District contracts.

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. Notice to Proceed was issued on October 16, 2023.  Upon removal of the pavement, it was determined that additional cement stabilized sand would be needed to complete the project.  Additionally, it was determined that the seals on the box culverts were deteriorated and/or non-existent and needed to be replaced.  Board approved an increase in Not to Exceed amount of Uretek’s contract from $25,000 to $45,000 to allow for Uretek to seal the box culverts. There will be additional costs to complete the project once final quantity of cement stabilized sand is determined.

FM 359 Sluice Actuators

Project includes installing the necessary components to allow the Operators to operate the three (3) sluice gates on F.M. 359 using mechanical and electrical means, rather than manually cranking the sluice gates. Engineer presented additional information regarding the components which indicated that 3-Phase electrical components, which are not readily available in a truck mounted actuator.  Board asked Engineer to check if 3-phase electrical is the only option.  If so, then Board conditionally awarded contract to EFS for $7,000 to install actuators.

Projects Under Design

Storm Sewer Outfall Rehabilitation

Project includes repair and/or replacement of many storm sewer outfalls throughout the District based on inspections. Project is currently advertising for bids to be opened on November 16, 2023 and presented to the Board at the November 2023 Board 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. Design Paid for out of Bond Issue No. 18 and construction to be funded by a future bond issue. Plans have been submitted for agency review.  Revised construction estimate for project is $750,000, which is significantly lower than previous estimate.

North Pump Station Redundant Closure Devices

Project includes design and installation of back up closure devices at the North Pump Station. Design Paid for out of Bond Issue No. 18 and construction to be funded by a future bond issue. Plans have been submitted for agency review.  Revised construction estimate for project is $300,000, which is significantly lower than previous estimate.

Elevated Storage Tank and Surface Water Plant Recoating

Project includes recoating of elevated storage tank and components of the surface water treatment plant.  Recoating of the elevated storage tank will include the Pecan Grove graphic on both the north and south facing sides. Board authorized Engineer to prepare contracts and advertise for bids to present at the December 2023 meeting.

Programming Updates for the Surface Water Treatment Plant

Project includes upgrading the automation and computer components of the plant, including all necessary programming. Engineer reported that project is under design and expects to begin advertisement for bids in 1st Quarter 2024.

SCADA Improvements for Pecan Lakes Pump Station

Project includes upgrading the communication equipment at the Pecan Lakes Storm Water Pump Station such that it can be remotely monitored and operated from the Surface Water Plant control room. Engineer reported that project is under design and expects to begin advertisement for bids in 1st Quarter 2024.

Levee Repairs at 1603 Savannah

Project includes removing a large tree which is dying located at the toe of the existing levee, backfilling and repairing the levee, as necessary, and installation of swing gates to facilitate maintenance. Engineer reported that mailing notice has been provided to the impacted property owner and additional door hanging will be provided in November that will indicate work will commence in early 1st Quarter 2024.  Board authorized Engineer to prepare contracts and solicit for bids to present at the December 2023 meeting.

Belt Press Upgrades at Surface Water Treatment Plant

Project includes upgrading the belt press at the surface water treatment plant to allow for consistent operation and reduce the overall run time of the process. Engineer reported that project is under design and expects to begin advertisement for bids in 2nd Quarter 2024.

Additional Engineering Items

Board authorized Engineer to begin design services on the following projects that were approved as part of the 2023-2024 Fiscal Year:

Arc Flash Study – Phase Two

Proposed Schedule:

  • Collect Field Data – End of 2023
  • Complete System Model – January 2024
  • Finalize Report – March 2024

Renewal of Waste Discharge Permit

Engineer reported application for renewal is nearing completion and requested that the Board president be authorized to execute the application for submittal.

Surface Water Treatment Plant Membrane Skid

As the membranes for the Surface Water Treatment Plant start to complete the expected design life, the District will be replacing the membranes over a three year period.  Engineer presented contract from parent company of PALL, which provides the membranes for the Surface Water Treatment Plant.  Board authorized execution of the contract subject to District consultant approval.

Land Grant Court

Engineer reported that based on the received topographic survey, the median of Land Grant Court has sunk nearly one-foot.  The cost to remove and rehabilitate the entire street is approximately $300,000.  In order to install additional drainage, which would not repair the issue, just mitigate the impacts, is approximately $100,000.  Board authorized Engineer to communicate and meet with Fort Bend County Commissioner Morales’ Office and Fort Bend County Road and Bridge to facilitate the County repairing the entire road.

Drainage Committee Report

Engineer reported the Drainage Committee met and reviewed the preliminary drainage model prepared by the Engineer.  Six primary areas were determined to study closer.  Engineer reported that to study these areas, including preliminary engineering and cost estimating would cost approximately $75,000.  Additionally, at the request of the Board, the Engineer presented an estimate of $65,000 to obtain finished floor elevations for all residential structures inside the levee.  The Drainage Committee recommended that the Board approve the additional drainage modeling and the surveying.  The Board authorized both requested services.

La Vista Cottages Development Agreement

City of Houston requested that the District execute a letter indicating that the proposed 8-inch waterline along Farmers Road, that the District will own and maintain, will never be owned by the City of Houston.  Board authorized President to execute requested letter.

FBWCID 10

Mr. Peyton Martin with Proposed FBWCID 10 re-approached the District to discuss possible service availability and financial considerations for connection.  District authorized Engineer to meet with Mr. Martin and discuss his proposals to bring to the District for discussion.