2012-09-25_PWETC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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would prove competitive versus open cut due to the interest expressed, particularly by 3M in getting their product tested in the market. Regarding the future of the next Rice Street reconstruction phase, Mr. Schwartz cautioned that there were still no guarantees for the project's timing; and based on a relatively deep water main section adjacent to wetlands between Transit and County Road C and other soil concerns, in addition to the challenges with County projects of late, staff was not recommending a delay. If the bids came in too high, Mr. Schwartz advised that staff would not recommend moving forward with them; however, he expressed his anticipation that they will be competitive or lower than open trenching. At the request of Chair Vanderwall, Ms. Giga addressed the spray on methods and any impacts to potentially brittle cast iron pipes, advising that even if those pipes are classified as fully deteriorated, the lining product will make it structurally sound. At the request of Chair Vanderwall, Mr. Schwartz advised that there were no concerns for potential dangers in the excavation and lining equipment inside the pipes, other than those private lines originally installed for wells serving the Reiling family properties. At the request of Chair Vanderwall, staff confirmed that both processes required pre-cleaning of the pipes, and there was no cost reduction if less clean-out was needed. Ms. Giga provided a sample from an earlier version of the 3M material and confirmed that either of the lining products had significantly reduced breaks in those pipes. Mr. Schwartz noted that 3M was interested in moving into infrastructure rehabilitation in a major way; and had alluded to staff that they were going to "sharpen their pencils" for this product in an effort to make a splash and get attention for this market area. Member DeBenedet noted the lack of experience to-date for lining products, estimating the full impact and its useful life experience was an unknown until twenty (20) years down the road. While currently not having much supporting documentation on how effective the products would be or how well they would perform, Member DeBenedet opined that it was worth taking a risk; and if that risk proved to be successful, the money normally spent on digging and replacing pipes could be used elsewhere. While there was a potential that the products may prove a poor choice, Member DeBenedet noted that this would serve as a learning experience as well, similar to previous methods considered new and inventive in years past. Page 6 of 13