Gaithersburg awards $270,000 contract for Lake Walker outfall repair to address collapsing headwall

The City of Gaithersburg on Jan. 21 approved repairs to the Lake Walker outfall and authorized a contract with Stormwater Maintenance LLC not to exceed $270,000.

Rob Diebert, project engineer in public works, told council the Lake Walker dam is listed as Maryland Significant Hazard Dam No. 54 and that annual safety inspections require the city to keep the structure in safe condition. "The dam has severe erosion and a lot of areas are growing around the plunge pool area where storm water is discharged from the pipe," Diebert said, describing the failed headwall and the need to replace a moderately large 33-inch pipe.

The city issued a request for bids and received one responsive proposal — Stormwater Maintenance LLC at $247,500 — and staff recommended adding a $22,500 contingency to cover unforeseen needs, bringing the not-to-exceed amount to $270,000. Staff said the bidder is qualified and will use a minority business enterprise credentialed subcontractor for part of the work.

Council members asked whether the repair interacts with potential Lake Forest redevelopment. Diebert said the damaged pipe serves a separate drainage area (Montgomery Village Avenue, Exxon site) and is distinct from pipes serving Lake Forest property; the work is therefore independent of the redevelopment timing. He added the downstream embankment was formerly Exxon-owned, the upstream was Lake Forest property, and the city maintains the principal spillway; staff indicated they will prepare a covenant to transfer future maintenance responsibilities to the downstream property owner after repairs.

The resolution to award construction services and contingency passed on a voice vote recorded as 5-0. Staff said funds are available in the stormwater fund.