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SFPUC describes WESIP construction challenges and launches investigation after Crystal Springs Pipeline 2 leak
Summary
SFPUC staff updated commissioners on construction challenges across WESIP projects, including difficult ground conditions in the Irvington Tunnel and an archaeological find on a pipeline alignment; the agency also briefed the commission on a Thanksgiving‑week leak on Crystal Springs Pipeline 2 and retained an independent expert to investigate the failure and recommend changes.
SFPUC staff told the commission on December 13 that several major water infrastructure projects in the Water System Improvement Program (WESIP) face technical and schedule challenges and that staff is monitoring cost impacts closely. Julie Labonte, presenting the general manager’s WESIP update, reported a procurement setback negotiating liability limits for a one‑of‑a‑kind slip joint needed for the Hayward Fault crossing; the delay is expected to push construction starts back by a few months.
Labonte also discussed discovery of a culturally significant archaeological site with human remains encountered during Bay Division pipeline construction; staff concluded tunneling under the site and leaving the remains in place was the least disruptive option after evaluating alternatives and permitting requirements. Commissioners asked staff to provide additional dating and cultural information when available.
Separately, Steve Ritchie, assistant general manager for water, briefed the commission on a major leak on Crystal Springs Pipeline 2 that occurred the day after Thanksgiving on the peninsula. Ritchie said the leak was initially reported at about 09:45, grew rapidly and produced high‑pressure water “60‑foot tall geysers” at the site; it took roughly three hours to isolate and shut the line without causing wider system damage and cleanup had crews in the field into the afternoon. Ranger Pipeline (the contractor on site) and the city’s operations staff led field response with fire department support. Ritchie said the SFPUC has retained an independent expert to investigate the cause and expects the expert report by year‑end; in the meantime staff is reviewing about 35 similar connection details in the WSUP program and revising design and construction management practices where warranted.
Labonte and Ritchie also reviewed tunneling challenges on the Irvington Tunnel and other projects — hard rock in some sections, squeezing ground in others, high methane concentrations that required reclassification from ‘‘potentially gassy’’ to ‘‘gassy,’’ changes to ventilation and full‑time gas monitoring, significant groundwater inflows, and the use of grouting and ribbing to stabilize excavations. Staff said these conditions have resulted in documented time extensions and anticipated cost increases; commissioners were advised staff will bring any requests to adjust contingency or contract sums back to the commission as details are finalized.
What happens next: SFPUC staff will provide the independent investigation report on the Crystal Springs leak when available, continue negotiations for specialized procurement items needed for seismic crossings, and return to the commission with any contingency or contract amendments required by on‑site conditions.
