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PUC approves underwater-drone inspection of intake, towers after decades without review
Summary
The commission approved contracting for underwater ROV inspections of the intake pipe, tanks and in-plant spaces; staff said the intake and some tanks have not been inspected in many years and that using an ROV removes diver safety risks.
The Public Utilities Commission approved a contract to inspect the city's water-tank system and intake piping using an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV), staff said.
Scott, a commission member who led the discussion, told the commission that the intake pipe and several reservoirs are due for routine inspection and that the last documented work on the intake occurred around 2006. He said he had spoken with colleagues who "don't think the twins have ever been inspected since 1992," underscoring the age of portions of the system.
Staff explained bidders proposed using an underwater drone to inspect interior surfaces of the moose tower, the twin reservoirs and the intake pipe to identify coating defects, structural damage or missing sections of pipe; using an ROV avoids the safety risks of sending a diver into narrow intake piping. Staff said KLM focuses on water towers while Bolton Mink is an engineering firm that offered a lower price because it would not use divers for intake inspection. The meeting packet included a bid figure discussed in the session (the transcript references roughly "20,700" for the Bolton Mink quote); staff said the tank inspection work is budgeted.
Why it matters: The inspections will determine the internal coating condition, any repair needs and a schedule for maintenance. Staff said coatings can last 20 to 30 years depending on conditions and that inspection results will inform budget planning for any necessary repair work.
What happens next: The commission approved the inspection contract and staff said they will present video and findings (staff suggested a slideshow review of the ROV footage for the commission). The work will take place in summer months to avoid interfering with operations when possible.
