RMC’s leaders bring hands-on experience in water quality, regulatory requirements, system operations, and facility planning and design. And, we are adept at construction sequencing and completing facility upgrade projects while keeping existing facilities operational.

Malibu Water Transmission Main Creek Crossing Repairs Project

Los Angeles Co. Department of Public Works, Waterworks District 29

RMC oversaw the rehabilitation of eight aboveground crossings of creeks along the busy Malibu Pacific Coast Highway, which are part of a 30-mile long, 18- to 36-inch diameter, welded steel water transmission pipeline. For the project, RMC:

• Evaluated the extent of corrosion damage at each of the eight crossings
• Provided plans and specifications, construction support, and inspection services for the corrosion repair work
• Developed a corrosion monitoring, control, and maintenance program to prevent future corrosion damage to the transmission main at the crossing locations

 

Regional Water Filtration Facility Program

Yucaipa Valley Water District

Serving as program manager, RMC managed the master plan, design and construction of a new 12-mgd regional water treatment facility. Designed for expansion up to 36 mgd, the facility treats water from the State Water Project and helps meet increased demand while reducing overdraft of local groundwater supplies. For the program, RMC has:

• Managed facility design which uses microfiltration technology with nanofiltration equipment for TOC removal
• Provided regulatory assistance, include completing DPH permitting
• Completed bid documents for a booster pump station to transfer water from the new WFF to two different pressure zones

 

Bench Study to Identify Alternatives for Drinking Water Corrosion Control Technology

El Dorado Irrigation District

For El Dorado Irrigation District, RMC developed and implemented a monitoring plan to evaluate water distribution system impacts associated with a full-scale conversion to a non-zinc based corrosion inhibitor. Work included:

• Evaluating the potential impacts of converting to a non-zinc based corrosion inhibitor and/or a high pH strategy to control corrosion while limiting wastewater zinc concentrations
• Developing and implementing a monitoring plan to evaluate distribution system impacts associated with a full-scale conversion to a non-zinc based corrosion inhibitor
• Designing and implementing a bench-scale study to evaluate potential for Stage 2 D/DBP Rule compliance under a high pH corrosion control strategy

 

Wilson Booster Station Upgrades

Pasadena Water and Power

RMC inspected and evaluated the condition of the existing Wilson Booster Station, a critical component of Pasadena’s potable water system. We then designed improvements to the booster station to meet existing and future demands, ease operations and maintenance, allow for station performance monitoring, and provide the ability to operate the station under emergency conditions, such as a power outage. The project included:

• Removal and replacement of electrical and controls equipment
• Replacement of the existing pump and motor with a new 250-hp vertical turbine lineshaft pump and motor
• A new meter vault and magnetic flow meter and building drainage improvements
• Booster station piping and appurtenances
• Supply of standby power during switchover operation

Allen Hydro-Pneumatic Zone Upgrades

City of Pasadena

RMC managed the design of upgrades to a small residential booster station and hydro-pneumatic zone in the City of Pasadena. For rehabilitation of the booster station, originally constructed in 1930, RMC developed plans to save approximately $100,000 in construction costs over the previously completed Preliminary Design Report recommendations through reuse of the existing building and more efficient and smaller pumping equipment. The project includes:

• Development of a system hydraulic model and calibration through flow testing data
• Demolition of existing equipment
• Installation of a package booster
• Replacement of the hydro-pneumatic tank
• Installation of a permanent backup, diesel-powered generator

Water Distribution and Transmission System Analysis

Burbank Water and Power

RMC assessed the adequacy of Burbank Water and Power’s current water line replacement rate in meeting target service levels and avoiding excessive pipeline degradation. The results of RMC’s analysis provided a clear and repeatable methodology that allows the City to update and re-prioritize its replacement program on a regular basis. For the project, RMC:

• Evaluated soil corrosivity to determine potential for external corrosion of pipes
• Used a benefit cost ratio model to forecast when it would be cost effective to replace each individual pipe segment in the system
• Evaluated 14 possible earthquake scenarios and considered the actual costs and economic benefits for four seismic improvement plans
• Used hydraulic model used to identify areas of bottlenecks in the water distribution system and to make recommendations on system improvements