Contractor finds artesian-fed pipe at Hackney Lane; county to seek change order for access

Porter County staff reported an unforeseen site condition on the Hackney Lane Pavement and Drainage Improvements in the Hidden Hollow subdivision: while dewatering to install storm sewer, contractors discovered a black pipe discharging groundwater — described during discussion as behaving like an artesian well — that prevents the area from drying with the planned dewatering method.

Staff said Ruth/Reese Riley (contractor name recorded variably in the transcript) is preparing a change-order price to place timber mats for access and to implement a continuous dewatering operation for a few days to permit storm sewer installation. "So Reeth/Ruth Riley is putting together a change order price to include timber mats to get access back to here because the soils are so soft due to them being so wet," the presenter said (Staff member). Staff noted the contract is administered by the Board of Commissioners and that they will work with highway engineering for change-order execution.

Staff said the design originally included a bioswale to replicate wetland function, but excavation to the needed depth now appears infeasible; if the bioswale is omitted it will offset dewatering costs and be handled via contract work-item elimination in the change order. The board discussed whether modifications will be necessary after installation and staff said adjustments to original plans are possible depending on field conditions.