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Commission approves $1.4M change order and study application for troubled raw-water intake
Summary
City commissioners approved a roughly $1.4 million change order to install an airburst system, strengthen bank stabilization and remove sand at the new raw-water intake, and agreed to seek cost-share funding and a $225,000 study to evaluate longer-term fixes.
City commissioners on April 7 approved a change order of just over $1.4 million to address sand migration that has begun restricting flow at the new raw-water intake.
Laith, a project presenter for the city, told the commission the near-term package includes an airburst system to clear sand and debris from intake screens, bank stabilization work and an anticipated amount of wet-work in the river to install piping and connections. He said equipment already ordered is expected to arrive on site in mid‑May, with installation work planned through the summer and completion this fall.
The change order also anticipates sand removal to reach the structure and commercial diving work the city has been using for periodic maintenance. "The contractor has been given the okay to order the equipment," Laith said. "It's currently scheduled to show up on-site mid May….We anticipate that work will occur July, August and be completed this fall."
Laith described the measure as a near‑term improvement rather than a permanent solution. The city will pursue a follow‑on study—estimated at roughly $225,000—to model river hydraulics, evaluate longer‑term options (including relocated intakes or jetties) and inform permitting and design work. Laith said the study would take about six to eight months with much of the field data collected over the coming summer.
Funding for the immediate work and the study will include a State Water Commission cost‑share application (staff said the Commission can fund up to 60 percent) and noted Marathon is a project partner splitting costs beyond that share. The study cost‑share application will be submitted for consideration at the State Water Commission's June meeting and the commission will decide whether to move forward after learning whether funding is available.
Commissioner Rohrer moved to approve the change order as presented; the motion passed on unanimous roll call. The commission also directed staff to submit the State Water Commission cost‑share application for the study and return with recommendations after the State review.
