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Warwick seeks Stantec services to replace leaking Buttonwoods Avenue pipeline under Brushneck Cove
Summary
Public Works asked the finance committee to authorize $199,500 to retain Stantec for design and oversight of a directional‑drilled pipeline replacement under Brushneck Cove that staff says is leaking and could affect water pressure, quality and fire protection in Oakland Beach.
The City of Warwick's water division asked the finance committee to award Stantec Consulting $199,500 to design and provide construction oversight for the Buttonwoods Avenue pipeline replacement under Brushneck Cove. Christie Murady, Public Works, told the committee the transmission main services the Oakland Beach area and has been leaking; background materials note the line was measured in 2021 at a leak rate of about 30 gallons per minute.
Murady said Stantec would deliver a 60% design and assist with contractor selection and construction oversight; the remaining “40%” of work (contracting and construction services) would be part of subsequent work. She said directional drilling is proposed to minimize impacts to the shoreline and reduce permitting burdens compared with open‑cut or sleeving approaches. "With directional drilling, there's a little less environmental red tape to work through," Murady said, adding the approach should avoid disturbance to water and shoreline.
Council members pressed for detail about the long timeline: the committee chair asked why the leak identified in 2021 was being addressed now. Public Works answered that prior directors and different priorities delayed full replacement planning and that the city took portions of the system offline as interim repairs were made. Eric Earl (Public Works) explained the term “refusal” in the drilling specifications refers to encountering bedrock or other subsurface obstructions that require relocating the drill path, not a property owner refusal to grant entry.
Committee members also sought clarity on soil testing and environmental coordination. Murady said soil investigations will follow ASTM standards and that tribal coordination (the Narragansett) would be handled by the city when design is complete; she did not report prior consultation with tribal representatives. Public commenters urged staff and the consultant to evaluate alternate routes to avoid the cove, saying CRMC permitting and shoreline disturbance are concerns.
The committee did not take final construction action at the meeting; the project was discussed in detail and will return with formal contract authorization and any required permitting steps. The city said right‑of‑entry from private property is anticipated to be minimal because most work will occur in the public right‑of‑way.
