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Frequently Asked Questions - James River Water Project
November 26, 2014
JAMES RIVER WATER PROJECT
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Pipeline Being Built?
The pipeline is being constructed to supply both counties with a projected 50 year water need as identified in their respective Long Range Water Supply Plans mandated by the DEQ. A sustainable and plentiful water supply is a key driver for Economic Development. Each County’s vision for economic development differs in many respects; however a quality surface water source remains the catalyst for implementing their respective vision.
Where will the pipeline go? How was the route of the pipeline chosen?
The pipeline will originate with an intake structure at the James River near the Town of Columbia. The raw water line is proposed to parallel the Colonial Pipeline ROW from the James River to a new Water Treatment Plant located in Louisa County near Ferncliff.
Where will the “finished” or drinking water pipes be located?
“Finished or drinking water will be treated in Louisa County and the distribution pipes will be located primarily along the Rt. 250 corridor.
Who “owns” the line, the two Counties or some other public body?
The James River Water Authority will own all infrastructure from the river intake up to Route 6. From Route 6 north, all infrastructure will be owned by the County of Louisa.
What’s meant by “raw water line” and “drinking water line”? What’s the difference?
“Raw Water” is the untreated river water that, in this case, will be delivered to a facility for treatment, located at Ferncliff. Raw water is considered “non-potable” water that cannot be used for domestic consumption.
“Drinking Water” is the treated water that will be delivered to the end user for domestic consumption.
Could the “raw water” line be tapped in the future? If it can, who decides if the “raw water” line would or would not be tapped in the lower part of Fluvanna County?
It is possible that the raw water line could be tapped in the future; however, that decision lies with the James River Water Authority and the County of Louisa. There will be at least 2 “T” sections located on the raw water line designated for a future connection(s) by Fluvanna County. One “T” section will be located at Route 6 and the other “T” section will be located at a point further north on the raw water line, but still in Fluvanna County.
When will construction begin? And how long will it take?
Construction may start in the summer of 2015, with an anticipated completion date in the 3rd quarter 2017 or a total construction period of 27-29 months from start to finish.
Will it be necessary for the County to “take” private property to build this pipeline?
Yes, once the final route of the pipeline has been identified, the James River Water Authority and the Louisa County Water Authority will be contacting specific property owners that the pipeline will cross to initiate the easement acquisition process.
With the cooperation of the property owners, the Authorities will acquire permanent or perpetual easements – agreements between the property owner and the Authorities -- in which the property owner allows the Authority access to the property for construction and maintenance of the pipeline(s).
How much will the total project cost? How much of the cost will belong to each County?
The estimated total project construction costs range from $40 to $45 million.
Fluvanna County will be responsible for 50% of the Capital Costs associated with the portion of the Project Belonging to the James River Water Authority.
Louisa County will be responsible for the other 50% of the capital costs associated with the James River Water Authority section of the project and all other costs associated with infrastructure north of Route 6.
Construction costs will have to be financed. Who is responsible for paying the debt?
Long-term financing will be needed, and it is anticipated that 30-year bonds will be used (“issued”). Louisa and Fluvanna will be responsible for the pro-rata share of the debt service associated with the amount of borrowed capital, subject to debt service contributed to the project.
I heard that the pipeline would draw so much water from the James River that the local eco-systems will change. Is that true?
This is not true.
Who do I call if I have more questions about the project?
Louisa County Staff:
Pam Baughman, Louisa County Water Authority: 540-967-2652
Andy Wade, Economic Development: 540-967-4581
Public Meeting Notice - Tuesday, December 16, 2014
November 26, 2014
Louisa County Water Authority
Public Meeting Notice
Tuesday, December 16, 2014 – 7:00 pm
Kents Store Agricultural Recreation Center, 111 Kents Store Way, Kents Store, Virginia
Louisa County Water Authority will be holding a Public Meeting at 7:00 pm or as soon thereafter as possible, on Tuesday, December 16, 2014, in the Kents Store Agricultural Recreation Center located at 111 Kents Store Way, Kents Store, Virginia. This meeting is being held to provide information to citizens and property owners along the proposed water line route from the Route 6 area of Fluvanna County near Columbia to the Ferncliff area of Louisa County. Additional information can be obtained from Louisa County Water Authority’s web-site at louisacountywaterauthority.org.
Proposed Agenda:
1) Welcome
2) Introductions
3) Overview of the proposed project
a) Proposed Pipeline Routing
b) Easement Acquisitions
4) Time line / Construction Schedule
5) Other Information
6) Additional Public Hearings
7) Questions / Answers
Date of Notice: November 26, 2014
Contact: Pam Baughman, General Manager, Louisa County Water Authority, 540-967-1122
Christian Goodwin, County Administrator, County of Louisa, 540-967-0401
Andy Wade, Economic Development Director, County of Louisa, 540-967-0401
BY ORDER OF:
DOUG SMITH, CHAIRMAN
LOUISA COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY
James River Water Project
November 24, 2014
Please click on the map below to see the latest updates to the James River Water Project or CLICK HERE to download a copy of the map. We will continue to update you on this project. Please shoot us an email or give us a call with questions.
James River Water Project MapUPDATE - Zion Crossroads Wastewater Treatment Plant Effluent Relocation
October 24, 2014
Zion Crossroads Effluent Pipeline
Project Manager’s Monthly Report
Date: October 10, 2014
Project Manager: John Robins
Period Covered: September 1, 2014 through September 30, 2014 (Report No. 9)
QUICKSUMMARY
NO RED FLAGS AT THIS TIME
|
Item |
Status |
Remarks |
|
Schedule |
On Schedule |
Continue to monitor impact of weather conditions and easement acquisition difficulties to assess impact on schedule. |
|
Budget |
On Budget |
Monitor rock encountered in excavation and wet, soft soils. Hit additional rock which resulted in added costs, but still within the budget. |
|
Construction Issues |
None Outstanding |
|
|
Citizen Issues |
None Outstanding |
|
|
Regulatory Issues |
None Outstanding |
VDOT Interstate Bore Permits Issued. |
|
Other Issues |
None Outstanding |
|
DETAILED DISCUSSION
Progress since Last Report:
Work proceeded on installation of the Effluent Pipeline along the Central Virginia Electric Cooperative Easement in Project B with two crews (a reduction from the three on the project last month) with a total of 2,393 linear feet of trench excavation and 3,353 linear feet of pipe installed (the trench along the power line easement includes both the 12 inch effluent pipeline and the future 8 inch force main from Ferncliff). In all approximately 54,050 linear feet of pipe has been installed out of 72,750 linear feet. In addition to the two pipeline crews, the directional boring subcontractor was on site installing a section of 12” and 8” pipe under a wetlands area on the CVEC pipeline alignment. boring subcontractor (Craig Construction) was on site drilling and pushing the bore under Interstate 64 near Evergreen Road). Work that was planned to be started over this period and shown in the last monthly report was as follows (status shown for each item in brackets):
- Install the bore pit for the bore under Interstate 64 near Route 15 (Underway).
- Continue to install pipeline along the CVEC Easement on Project B (Underway and still on schedule).
- Continue the installation of the directional bores under the wetlands areas (Underway).
- Investigate utility locations on Route 15 using hand excavated test pits to identify the fiber optic lines along with the other utilities (Underway).
- Install pipeline to the I-64 bore location crossing the underground power line feeding the shopping center (Wal-mart and Lowes) (Completed).
- Redesign of outfall to minimize disturbance on the South Anna River (Completed).
- Air pressure testing of completed sections of the pipeline (Completed)
- Update web site continually throughout the progress of the project (Updated).
Proposed progress for Upcoming Month:
Work that is planned for the next month is as follows:
- Start the bore under Interstate 64 near U.S. Route 15.
- Start installing pipe along Route 15.
- Install Outfall pipe at the South Anna River.
- Continue the installation of the directional bores under the wetlands areas Along Project B.
- Update web site continually throughout the progress of the project (Updated).
Figure 1 – Directional Bore along the CVEC Easement (installing HDPE pipe)
Budget Status:
The overall budget approved at the Board of Supervisors Meeting of October 21, 2013 is $6,051,090. The budget from the Comprehensive Agreement is as follows:
|
Description |
Amount |
|
Effluent Discharge Force Main |
$ 3,860,490 |
|
Wastewater (Sanitary) Force Main |
$ 979,370 |
|
Reaeration Structure |
$ 60,000 |
|
Dechlorination Facility |
$ 246,330 |
|
Acquisition Costs |
$ 330,000 |
|
Total Amount Under Agreement |
$ 5,476,190 |
The budget for the Inspection Services is $75,000.
The Schedule of Values uses a more detailed break-down of these amounts showing subcategories for each of the three approved projects as well as supporting categories such as engineering and surveying. These are presented and are used to track this project. Also included with this total figure is the budget for inspection services.
This budget tracker does not include the costs for easement acquisition (that is purchase costs of the easements). It should be noted that the percentage completed according to the budget is at 60% and the percentage completed according to the schedule is at 54%. This inequality is due to the stored materials. This will improve as more pipe is installed. Also the last payment application has not been approved and these figures may change.
Schedule Status:
The project is required to be completed by March 30, 2015. Although some weather delays have been encountered along with some rock excavation, the overall project is on track and no “red flags” have arisen.
Project C has a detailed timeline chart that has been developed. The following summary milestones have been collected from this timeline. It should be noted that the last two items may be accelerated once easements are secured. Conservative estimates were used in setting these two dates.
|
Project C Milestones |
|||
|
Task |
Due Date |
Completion Date |
Remarks |
|
Road crossings on Evergreen Rd |
25-Feb-14 |
21-Feb-14 |
Restoration of asphalt will take place after work on road is completed |
|
VDOT ROW work (not including bore) |
14-May-14 |
20-May-14 |
Completed. |
|
Bore under I-64 |
30-Jul-14 |
30-Jul-14 |
Completed. |
|
Outfall from Jack Jouett to River |
15-Aug-14 |
Installed with the exception of the last 200+ feet that will be built with the Aeration Structure. Behind Schedule but not effecting the Critical Path. |
The outfall after the aeration cascade and the cascade and building will be scheduled once the design is completed. The last 200 feet of the outfall is scheduled to be completed in September. The design of the Cascade is in review and scheduled to be ready for construction in September also. |
|
Easements on Parcels 001, 002 and 003 |
29-Jul-14 |
June 1, 2014 |
Completed. |
|
Project B Milestones |
|||
|
Task |
Due Date |
Completion Date |
Remarks |
|
Road crossings on Rock Quarry Road |
30-Jun-14 |
30-Jun-14 |
Completed. |
|
Road crossing on Poindexter Road |
30-Sep-14 |
|
Will coordinate with Fire Department since this is planned to be an open cut excavation. |
|
Bore under I-64 |
30-Sep-14 |
Underway |
The installation was delayed while the design of the pit was dropped in elevation. This was necessary to go under the soft bottom of the drainage feature between the lanes of I-64. The pit is being constructed. |
|
Pipeline installation along the CVEC power line easement |
31-Oct-14 |
Installation is underway with about 95 % of the trench excavated and pipeline installed. |
On schedule. |
|
Directional Bores under wetlands |
30-Sep-14 |
Underway |
On schedule. |
No issues have arisen that require a “red flag” at this time. As stated in previous reports, obtaining the easements along with delays due to the winter weather are the only issues that may have a negative impact on the schedule and are the issues that will need to be monitored closely. The progress made on the easements has lessened this concern, but it is still one to be monitored.
Project A schedule for construction has not been finalized yet since easements have not been finished and dates for access to all of the properties have not been set. Draft timelines have been developed but start dates have not been inserted. These will be updated as these dates become known. Currently is planned to start work in September on Project A.
Web Site Status:
The Web site is up and operating with updates are being posted.
Citizen Issues:
The owner of the property on the north side of I-64 at Evergreen Road has requested a gate be installed where the pipeline runs along the I-64 ROW to the point where it turns south and under I-64. This owner is concerned of uncontrolled access to this easement. This issue will be reviewed by the Louisa County Water Authority Staff to determine the need of a gate at this location.
Construction Issues:
As reported in the last monthly report, in working on the layout for the aeration cascade at the outfall at the river, it appears that the alignment of the pipe may be better for both installation and long term care by the LCWA if it is run along an existing ditch line. The LCWA staff visited the site for their input along with the contractor. An alternative design is being developed to determine if it can be completed within the contract amount. The citizen that owns the property has agreed to the change at no additional cost to the County. A design has been developed and approved.
The contractor has performed air pressure testing on four completed sections of the pipeline. All sections but one passed the test without any loss in pressure. The section that did not pass will be retested and all valves and fittings will be checked. The approval testing will be a test of the pipeline with water under full pressure.
Figure 2 – Air testing of a section of the pipeline using air testing
During the investigation work on the bore under I-64 near Route 15 the drainage feature between lanes of I-64 was found to have a very deep and soft bottom making it necessary to lower the bore below this soft bottom. This was reviewed and approved. The excavation is being enlarged and additional trench boxes are being installed.
Figure 3 and 4 – Bore Pit at I-64 near Route 15 showing the depth of the pit and the installation of the first section of the trench box.
END OF REPORT
Zion Crossroads Wastewater Treatment Plant Effluent Relocation
July 15, 2013
Project Status Report
Overview
As summarized below, we are nearing completion of the Phase 1 (Preliminary Engineering Evaluation) and Phase 2 (Design) Services as outlined in the Interim Agreement.
There are several key items of note since our last status report as follows:
1. Robert Harris of CVEC sent Dean Rodgers a preliminary agreement for the County’s review.
2. A meeting was held on July 9th with the County Attorney and Al Dorin of KDR Real Estate Services to discuss the use of Mr. Dorin’s services in the acquisition of easements and property for the proposed infrastructure improvements. Mr.Dorin has provided a Scope Summary for the County’s review. Timmons Group will provide Mr. Dorin with a summary of parcels impacted by the project and will prepare easement plats where necessary.
3. Plans for Projects B, C and D which include pipeline construction in the CVEC easement and north of I-64 along Routes 626 and 640 to the effluent discharge point were submitted to VDOT and the Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District for review and approval. It is anticipated that the remaining pipeline drawings, Projects A and E for Route 15 and the Ferncliff area will be submitted the week of July 15th.
4. Now that design is nearing completion, pricing verification has been proceeding on plan sets B and C. With the receipt of plan set A late last week we intend on completing pricing verification for all the effluent line late this week. Some final design revisions and adjustments are being made to accommodate constructability issues and to keep overall project costs down. We are anticipating to complete all of the pricing verification exercises for plan sets A, B & C within the next two weeks and to have our final price for the effluent line submitted to Louisa County for incorporation into the Comprehensive Agreement.
5. The Comprehensive Agreement as proposed by Faulconer on June 13th is still under review by the county.
Detailed Status of Phases 1 and 2
In order to permit design and construction of the project to progress as alignment decisions and regulatory approvals are made, the project design is being developed in plan sets as follows:
A - Route 15 Alignment ~ Zion Cross Roads WWTP to CVEC Easement – Effluent and Wastewater Mains
B - CVEC Alignment ~ Route 15 to Route 626 – Effluent and Wastewater Mains
C - Route 626 Alignment ~ CVEC to River – Effluent Main
D – CVEC Alignment ~ Route 626 to Ferncliff – Wastewater Main
E – Ferncliff Service Area ~ Water and Wastewater Mains
F – Ferncliff Service Area ~ Elevated Water Storage Tank
G – Ferncliff Service Area ~ Wastewater Pump Station
H – Ferncliff Service Area ~ Water Supply Wells
The following is a brief summary of work performed:
Phase 1 – Preliminary Engineering Evaluation
a. Field Surveying Services: The aerial flight and field control for topographic survey development have been completed for all projects included in the PPEA project. Minor infill topographic survey information is being obtained by conventional field survey methods.
b. Easements: As easement requirements are identified, they are being forwarded to the LCWA (Dean Rodgers) and Andy Wade for coordination with property owners. Easement plats will be prepared upon confirmation by property owners for their willingness to grant easement(s). The County is in discussion with KDR Real Estate Services to provide easement and property acquisition services.
c. Preliminary Engineering: The design concept, preliminary alignment and computations have been completed.
d. Geotechnical Report: The geotechnical investigations for the elevated water tank and wastewater pump station have not begun. This work needs to be coordinated with the property owner.
e. Environmental Evaluations (Studies and Report): The Desktop Environmental Review has been completed for all projects included in the PPEA project. The report has not identified any significant environmental permitting, or cultural resources that would adversely impact the project. Field investigations are being performed to delineate wetlands and waters of the U.S. Stream crossing permitting with the COE will be initiated upon completion of field investigations.
f. VPDES Discharge Permit Modification: The permit modification is being coordinated by LCWA. Timmons Group is coordinating the final configuration of the discharge pipe and structure at the river with the LCWA and their Consultant. Timmons Group is coordinating the design of a re-aeration structure (stepped aeration) and de-chlorination building with the LCWA and their consultant; the design and construction of these facilities will be an addition to the current agreement.
Phase 2 – System Design
A - Route 15 Alignment ~ Zion Cross Roads WWTP to CVEC Easement – Effluent and Wastewater Mains
1. Construction drawings have been prepared for pricing of the project and submittal for review and approval to the applicable agencies.
B - CVEC Alignment ~ Route 15 to Route 626 – Effluent and Wastewater Mains
1. Construction drawings have been prepared for pricing of the project and submittal for review and approval to the applicable agencies.
C - Route 626 Alignment ~ CVEC to River – Effluent Main
1. Construction drawings have been prepared for pricing of the project and submittal for review and approval to the applicable agencies.
2. Coordination of final details of a re-aeration structure and de-chlorination building are on-going. Timmons Group will coordinate a meeting with LCWA staff to review the concept design of these project components.
D – CVEC Alignment ~ Route 626 to Ferncliff – Wastewater Main
1. Construction drawings have been prepared for pricing of the project and submittal for review and approval to the applicable agencies.
E – Ferncliff Service Area ~ Water and Wastewater Mains
1. Construction drawings have been prepared for pricing of the project and submittal for review and approval to the applicable agencies.
F – Ferncliff Service Area ~ Elevated Water Storage Tank
1. Construction drawings have been prepared for pricing of the project and submittal for review and approval to the applicable agencies.
2. Timmons Group will coordinate the submittal of the project to Virginia Department of Health. It is recommended that the submittal be made after the status of ground water supply from existing and proposed wells has been confirmed.
3. Geotechnical investigations will be performed upon coordination with the property owner.
G – Ferncliff Service Area ~ Wastewater Pump Station
1. Pump station plans and details are being prepared; confirmation of the pump station site is required.
2. Geotechnical investigations will be performed upon confirmation of site selection
H – Ferncliff Service Area ~ Water Supply Wells
1. Timmons Group had engaged Golder Associates to identify potential well sites. Based on recent discussions with County staff, Golder’s services have been placed on hold until further notice.
Louisa County Water Authority Launches New Website
May 28, 2013
Working harder to better serve and communicate with our community we have launched a new website for our water customers. Check it out and let us know what you think. Subscribe today!
