Council awards Heron Street sanitary‑sewer replacement to low bidder after recent breaks

The Long Beach City Council authorized the city manager to contract for sanitary sewer replacement on Heron Street between East Pine Street and East Chester Street after councilors cited multiple sewer breaks in recent months.

Staff said a section of sanitary sewer had collapsed on Heron Street; three bids were received and Allen Industries — which has previously performed work for the city — submitted the lowest responsible bid. Ken Arnold from Public Works answered council questions about the frequency and depth of recent failures. Arnold said the city is aware of four sewer breaks so far this year; Allen Industries has completed two of those repairs.

Council members asked why unit costs varied dramatically between projects. Council member Lester noted that Allen's unit price on one February repair was roughly $4.20–$4.25 per foot while an April emergency repair cost $10.55 per foot. Public Works staff explained differences were due to site‑specific conditions (deeper excavations, trench boxes, sheeting and other means‑and‑methods required at deeper sites) and that prices vary accordingly.

Council approved awarding the Heron Street replacement contract to the low bidder and asked staff to continue monitoring conditions in the West End and other areas where businesses have reported backup problems. A resident from the neighborhood told the council that recurring basement backups have caused repeated damage and staff reminded residents of the city's sewer lateral program and encouraged them to use that service for inspections.