WHB Engineers completed the design of the new Well No. 13 Chlorine Storage Building for the City of Huntington Beach. Access on this site was constrained with two large potable water reservoirs; one 17MG capacity and a smaller 9MG reservoir. 

In addition, three groundwater production wells were located onsite.  The existing chlorine storage building was designed to store four 150-pound chlorine containers.

WHB Engineers designed the new chlorine storage building, including all associated electrical, instrumentation and control system components. 

The new building facility was upgraded to store two 1-ton chlorine storage cylinders, incorporating TGO system components to meet Uniform Fire Code requirements for full containment.  The new one-ton chlorine storage cylinders required the design of a monorail-mounted crane for support. 

WHB Engineers team designed seismic upgrades and seismic monitoring using SCADA that would automatically shut down the chlorine system in the event of a 4.0 or greater seismic event.

The design upgrades increased facility safety and reduced the risk of chlorine exposure to workers and residents by implementing zero release and passive mitigation technologies, rendering scrubbers unnecessary.  The new system prevents the generation of hazardous waste and reduces the cost of ongoing O&M.

WHB Engineers served as lead sub-consultant to various prime consultants providing construction management and inspection services to the City of San Diego Public Works Field Division, supporting City staff on a variety of capital improvement projects. 

WHB’s Resident Engineers and inspectors interfaced as the main point of contact with the contactor, representing the City’s Field Division in coordination with various city departments, governmental agencies, and the community. 

WHB Engineers successfully completed over 10 tasks over the course of the contract. The following summary provides examples of representative projects:

Alvarado Trunk Sewer Phase II – Resident Engineering and Inspection

The WHB Engineers team provided full resident engineering/inspection services for the critical installation of approximately 500 linear feet (LF) of 48- to 72-inch steel casing by means of tunneling for a sewer installation located in an easement at San Diego State University (SDSU). Construction included installation of 1,290 LF of 15-inch diameter pipe using open trench pipe methods.

The project location posed unique challenges, as this easement paralleled an intensively used roadway and foot path entrance to campus, used by SDSU students and faculty.  Existing sewer facilities located within the environmentally sensitive Alvarado Canyon and Alvarado Creek areas were removed from service and habitat was restored to natural conditions.  Pipeline realignment provided improved maintenance access and reduced the need for entry into the sensitive canyon area.

The WHB Engineers team coordinated closely with the City, SDSU, and nearby businesses to ensure the project posed minimal impact to these stakeholders.  Key project milestones were scheduled to minimize impacts relative to the school calendar and major events at the campus.  Night work was required while school was in session.  The project was completed with no claims and to the satisfaction of CB and SDSU.

Water and Wastewater Facilities – Electrical, Instrumentation and Controls Inspection and Start-up Assistance

WHB Engineers skilled electrical and I&C team assisted Field Division and Operations staff in trouble shooting and start-up assistance of major water and wastewater facilities. 

WHB Engineers tasks included electrical testing, functional tests, start-up assistance, attending weekly meetings and representing the city at start-up meetings, and coordinating work with construction contractors.  Electrical installations were inspected for conformance to the contract drawings, industry standards, and applicable codes.  WHB Engineers prepared the final punchlist for electrical, instrumentation and controls.  

South Bay Water Reclamation Plant Demineralization

WHB Engineers successfully provided electrical and I&C inspection and start-up support for The South Bay Water Reclamation Plant Demineralization project. This Design-Build project involved the full installation of two electrodialysis reversal (EDR) trailer units relocated from the North City Water Reclamation Plant to establish a new demineralization facility at SBWRP, including a new clean-in-place system, new chemical feed systems, and integration into the existing control system at the plant.

WHB Engineers served as the Engineer of Record for the utility replacement for the City of Oceanside’s Municipal Pier.  WHB Engineers conducted an initial study for the City to determine the feasibility for replacing potable/firewater and electrical systems due to operation issues the City was experiencing with the water system. 

In addition, WHB Engineers was responsible for plan preparation of the replacement of the existing combined domestic/firewater pipes and the replacement for the pier’s sewer force main and three sewer sump systems. 

This project also consisted of electrical upgrades, a new handrail, and refurbishment and upgrades to structural components.  WHB Engineers developed contract documents, including basis of design reports, plans, specifications, calculations, and cost estimates.

WHB Engineers was tasked with both strengthening an existing tank as well as designing a new 7.5 MG circular, prestressed concrete tank and pump station improvements.  The City was concerned that their current tank could potentially fail after a similar design in another jurisdiction made headlines in 1998 with a catastrophic failure. 

WHB Engineers managed the design for temporarily strengthening the original tank by installing steel strands along the exterior upper and lower areas of the tank. 

WHB Engineers then prepared the plans, specifications, and estimates for a new tank designed in accordance with California Building Code, ASCE 7, AWWA D110.  WHB Engineers was responsible for completing both the structural design along with EI&C, mechanical, and water quality.

WHB Engineers operating company, conducted a seismic assessment for the City of Redlands. The City of Redlands selected Brady to complete a seismic assessment of eighteen (18) of the City’s potable water storage reservoirs, seven (7) pump stations, and two (2) transmission mains for the Water Division.

The work involved a study of existing interior and exterior conditions, a seismic code assessment, recommended improvements, a hydraulic analysis of the entire system with an eye on reservoir consolidation opportunities, and a budget level cost.

WHB Engineers performed structural analyses on concrete, steel, and prestressed reservoirs. The City of Redland lies between the San Andreas and San Jacinto faults. All analyses were conducted with site-specific seismic reports and considered the current and anticipated forthcoming (ASCE 7-22) requirements of the seismic code. 

WHB Engineers provided recommendations of reservoir replacements and upgrades. To save considerable time and expense for the City, each reservoir was studied using WHB Engineers underwater drone. Interior roof inspections were completed via an inflatable boat. WHB Engineers provided confined space entry support with WHB Engineers staff. 

The project included the assessment of pipe transmission mains critical to the treatment plant influent. These critical pipelines were observed to have structural and seismic vulnerabilities. Recommendations were made to assure that safe, reliable water can be supplied to the City’s water treatment plants.

This study included the assessments, inspection, analysis, design upgrades,
and cost-estimates for 45 water storage facilities including 22 steel tanks and 23 concrete tanks. The inspection included interior ROV inspection, WHB Engineers operating company, self-performed. The analysis was performed using site-specific seismic values to satisfy the current Code as well as addressing upcoming seismic requirements. Analysis was performed considering the latest editions of AWWA, ACI, CBC, and ASCE 7 documents.

As is commonly the case in California, many steel tanks were constructed without anchorage and with insufficient freeboard. Careful analysis supported a measured reduction in water level to comply with current Code. Having a specialty in prestressed tanks, WHB Engineers leveraged an expertise to carefully review the circumferential and vertical prestressing in order to confirm the level of compression in the concrete corewall. This was used to determine the watertightness of the tank.

After careful assessment, each tank was assigned a grade, a priority, and a cost to upgrade. Upgrade options were estimated and prioritized. Connections to the tanks were also reviewed for resilience during earthquakes. Seismic-induced earth settlement would likely cause a differential displacement between the tank and its pipe connections. Historically, this has been a failure mechanism during strong ground motion. Special pipe fittings which can accommodate differential settlement were recommended and need to be carefully specified in order to function correctly.

Two final tables were produced for the deliverable; one for Los Angeles County and one for Ventura County. These tables with the supporting cost-estimates and calculations will be used to support Rate Case decisions for hundreds of thousands of customers. Customers of the California American Water can now have confidence in a road map for the reliable distribution of water.

The Mayfield booster pump station (BPS) was originally constructed in 1970 and had reached the extent of its expected service life. California American Water (CAW) had decided to replace the BPS with a modern premanufactured below-ground pump station that would alleviate several of the issues that were identified in the BPS condition assessment. The new BPS provides for more efficient operation with variable frequency drive (VFD) domestic water pumps; additional fire flow capacity to meet county requirements; emergency generator; ventilation; sound attenuation; and greater accessibility for maintenance. 

WHB Engineers provided preliminary engineering services that included hydraulic analysis of the closed-loop service area using the Water CAD model and projected demands; surveying, geotechnical investigation; and development of a Basis of Design Memorandum that identified several options and associated cost estimates. Close coordination with premanufactured vendors, USEMCO and EFI, resulted in a preferred installation with little impact to the surrounding residential area.   

Both premanufactured vendors were solicited for bids based on performance specifications and preliminary engineering drawings. WHB Engineers provided bid support review and recommendations for purchase by CAW. In the Final design phase, WHB Engineers provided construction documents for the civil, structural, electrical, and traffic control improvements to support the installation of the BPS. Construction support services included attendance at meetings, response to requests for information (RFI), and submittal review. 

One of the major challenges in the project were the existing site constraints. The original BPS had been located within a small 12ft x 15ft easement between two residential properties on a steep slope with relatively shallow rock bed. In 1991 and 1995 electrical improvements were made to the BPS that extended beyond the easement property lines. The new BPS required a greater area to support the additional pumps, emergency generator, and greater accessibility for maintenance.

During preliminary design an alternative was developed to relocate the pump station to the adjacent street and allowing for the existing easement to be used for the new emergency generator. The alternative design minimized impact to the existing residents by not requiring additional easement acquisition and still allowed for the installation of the new larger BPS within the street right-of-way (ROW) with all the CAW desired features.

Description: The Otay Crossings Commerce Park Sewage Pump Station will service the new Otay Crossing development located in East Otay Mesa. The lift station includes a 7700 gallon wet well with a 15,000 gallon emergency storage manhole and two 15 HP lift pumps each capable of 275 gpm of sewage flow.

WHB Engineers provided electrical and control systems design, including power, controls, site lighting, grounding, and maintaining County SCADA standards to maintain consistency across all facilities.

Services Provided: Topographic Study, Hydraulic Design, Civil Design, Architecture, Mechanical/HVAC Design, Structural Design, Electrical Design, I&C Design, Landscaping, Construction Cost Estimates 

Construction Value: $580,000

Description: Located adjacent in Cordata Park in Fountain Valley, California the Reservoir No.2 and Pump Station Rehabilitation project provides for the demolition of the existing 7,500 gallon per minute (gpm) pump station and design of the new Reservoir No. 2 pump station complete with 3 – 2,500 gpm vertical turbine pumps, variable frequency drives, dewatering pump, piping and valves, SCE electrical room, SCE transformer, installation of a standby generator and HVAC facilities.  Site improvements include, new concrete driveway and paver maintenance road; site grading, landscaping and irrigation improvements, park improvements, new sidewalks and miscellaneous utility lines and connections. In addition, the design work includes new appurtenances for the existing Reservoir No. 2.

WHB Engineers provided design services and preparation of contract drawings and specifications for demolition of the existing pump station, design of the new pump station and replacement of the Reservoir No. 2 appurtenances. Design disciplines for this project included civil, mechanical, architecture, structural, electrical, instrumentation and control and landscaping. WHB’s engineering services also included topographic surveying, geotechnical investigation and structural assessment of the existing Reservoir No. 2. With the new pump station located across the street from residential homes, special attention was given to architectural features, materials and color schemes. The project will also include construction of a new basketball court in the park, new lighting around the park playground areas and 19 new trees planted in the park. WHB’s construction management staff was assigned the task of preparing estimates of probable construction at the 30 and 100 percent complete designs. 

The WHB Engineers team met the challenge of designing a new municipal facility in a city park and residential development while maintaining the City’s need for a secure potable water pump station and reservoir that is aesthetically pleasing for the neighborhood. In addition, improvements included operational improvements for the City of Fountain Valley operation and landscaping department.

WHB Engineers was tasked with the design of a new Reservoir No. 2 pump station to replace a 7,500 gallon per minute (gpm) pump station in Fountain Valley, CA adjacent to Cordata Park.  The new pump station was located across the street from residential homes and needed to be aesthetically pleasing, leading to special attention being given to architectural features, materials, and color schemes.

WHB Engineers provided design services and preparation of contract drawings and specifications for the demolition of the existing pump station, the design of the new pump station and replacement of the Reservoir No. 2 appurtenances. The design incorporated improved access via a new concrete driveway and paver maintenance road and site grading.  To incorporate the necessary aesthetics, the design also incorporated landscaping, irrigation, and park improvements.

The WHB Engineers team met the challenge of designing a new municipal facility in a city park and residential development area while maintaining the City;’s need for a secure potable water pump station and reservoir that is aesthetically pleasing for the neighborhood.