Plainview awards $169,000 sewer pipe-bursting contract to Amarillo Utility Construction

Plainview City Council on May 13 awarded the bid for a sewer pipe replacement project on Fourth Street (between Vernon and Xenia) to Amarillo Utility Construction for $169,000.

Staff said the line is asbestos-cement (AC) pipe that is degrading from hydrogen sulfide corrosion; the collection crew identified the condition and recommended slip-lining the pipe now to avoid a more expensive collapse later. Staff explained the pipe-bursting approach is actually a cured-in-place slip-lining where a new pipe is inserted and later reconnected to customer services.

The project was rebid after an earlier solicitation came back substantially higher; staff reported the rebid produced a price about $80,000 lower than the prior attempt. Three bidders responded to the May 1 bid; Amarillo Utility Construction was the low bidder at $169,000. Staff said the work will be funded from the city's water and wastewater emergency pools.

Councilmember House moved to award the bid; Councilmember Rascon seconded. The mayor announced the vote was unanimous and the bid was awarded to Amarillo Utility Construction.

Staff noted AC refers to asbestos-cement pipe and explained that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in sewer flows forms acidic compounds that accelerate pipe failure. No timeline for start or completion was provided at the May 13 meeting; staff said the work is being scheduled.