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LBCA Division #2-Main Line Leaks Status Update

On Saturday July 11, unexplainable surface water was discovered on the asphalt in both Division 2 Cul-de Sac’s. King Water was contacted immediately on their emergency service line and called back within a few minutes of the call.

King Water technicians made a site visit on July 11 to inspect the surface water issues in the Cul-de-Sacs. While on site, King determined there was evidence of main line pipe leaks below the surface. King also determined in addition to the leaks in the Cul-de-Sac, there were also two other leaks located further down Fox Trot.

Note #1: After King made their initial site visit, they determined the integrity of the system was not in any immediate danger and would not have to be shut down, but advised the main line leaks would need to be repaired to eliminate water leaking into the soil.

Note #2: Our 4” mainlines which run from the pump house down Fox Trot and then all the way down the north side of LBSD, were installed in 1970 and have sustained a 45 year usable span. King has stated the standard life span for schedule 40 plastic pipe is 30-35 years.

Since the two leaks on Fox Trot were surrounded by dirt vs being under asphalt, the Board gave King approval to remove dirt from the leak area and determine the cause and extent of the pipe leaks. (This approach allowed King to do a full examination of the leaks, without the excessive cost of cutting asphalt.)

After the dirt was removed from the surface over the mainline pipe, King was able to determine the leak was caused from the glue failing in the pipe joint which connects each 20 foot section of pipe in the main lines.

The options for repair were:
1. Cut out a section of the main line and reconnect a new pipe on both ends back into the main line or;
2. Install a rubber sleeve with a metal clamp over the leaking joint. The sleeves have a 25 year or longer life span.

The most practical, timely and economical course was determined to be option 2, so King was given approval by the Board to install the rubber sleeves and stop the leaks.

This same method was repeated on the second leak which was down Fox Trot even closer to the bay, about 50 feet from the first leak.

King has estimated there are potentially as many as three more leaks total under both Cul-de Sacs.

King has been instructed not to move forward with any additional leak repair until a plan is developed and approval is given by the Board.
King has been asked to prepare a quote for Board review which will include:
1. Obtaining the necessary permits and including the cost of such permits in the quote.
2. Cutting a three to five foot path across both cul-de sacs north to south which will allow King access to the dirt underneath and ultimately the main lines which are buried 36 inches below the asphalt surface.
3. Removing the dirt around the main lines with a back-hoe.
4. Repairing the pipe joints in need of repair with a rubber sleeve.
5. Refilling the area and surface around the main lines with proper bedding material.
6. Replacing the asphalt which is removed with new asphalt and resealing all of the joints.

Note: King Water has the ability to cut and remove asphalt, but would need to sub contract the asphalt replacement and joint sealing.

In addition to King Water, additional quotes will be sought from other contractors who possess the proper licenses, equipment and materials to do the kind of repair work required for this project.

The quote process is estimated to take two to three weeks to obtain quotes from multiple contractors.

The pump house equipment is running efficiently and King continues to monitor the equipment as part of their routine maintenance procedures.

There are some options being considered to facilitate the most economical, practical, timely and long term repair plan for the Div 2 leak repair.
1. Enlist the services of a water system engineer to determine the best short and long term replacement strategy for the main line joint repairs.
2. Give consideration to replacing a large section of the Division 2 mainlines with more modern and durable piping. The piping could be upgraded in diameter to improve flow and provide an option to accommodate future fire hydrants if necessary or required. This option would be in lieu of joint replacement. ( This option will be based on available LBCA funds)
(This option will also allow for more of the existing Div 2 joints to be eliminated, reducing the potential for future joint related leaks.)

As with all water related projects, the Board will consider:
• Total project cost.
• Competitive Bids
• Review of community funds to ensure an adequate reserve is maintained.
• Sense of urgency for the repairs.
• Development of a system repair timeline.
• Adequate system downtime preparation and notice.

If it is determined the total cost for the repair project exceeds the Boards spending cap, the Board will present a project plan to the community for expense approval consideration.

If you have any questions, please contact: LBCABoard@hotmail.com Dave Clemens-206-947-9478

Thank you!

LBCA Board of Trustees

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Leak repair to be scheduled in early June

King Water has discovered two minor leaks on fittings in the new pressure
manifold, installed at the pump-house in late March.

The leak repair is covered under warranty, so there will be no cost to the LBCA
to fix the manifold.

To repair these leaks will require a  4 hour system shutdown, tentatively
scheduled during the first week of June.

A notification of the exact date and time will be sent to members, when we get
closer to the date.

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Upcoming Board Meetings in April & May

The LBCA Board will hold Board meetings on the following days:

Friday, April 17th at 7:30pm at the Stanwood Library.

Friday, May 8th at 7:30pm at the Stanwood Library.

The April Board Meeting will be held exclusively for the purpose of reconciling the Community Property Questionnaires sent in the the LBCA P.O. Box earlier this month. A community volunteer will be present to assist the Board with the Questionnaire tally and recording process. The Board will discuss the results of the Questionnaire at the Board meeting in May.

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Community Property Questionnaire due April 10

Last week, the Board sent to all members, a questionnaire in regard to the Community Property. Please take a few moments to review the questionnaire and mail it in to the LBCA P.O Box. This is a great opportunity for all members to weigh in with their thoughts in regard to the community property.

There is a comment section on the bottom of the questionnaire, which can be used to provide additional feedback. We kindly ask, that each member return the questionnaire by April 10. All the Best!

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Shoreline owners workshop on Saturday, March 28

One of our members forwarded this great opportunity….

Island County residents are invited to take advantage of a FREE workshop to learn from experts about bluffs and beaches, erosion, and alternatives to hard armoring on the shoreline.  These workshops are sponsored by the Northwest Straits Foundation, in cooperation with Island County’s Marine Resources Committee. Although the workshop is geared toward residents who own homes on the shoreline, it is open to the public!

Saturday, March 28th 10am-3pm Stanwood Community and Senior Center / 7430 276th Street NW / Stanwood, WA.

Let us know if you attend, and we’ll post information.

Also, Washington State University has a great new website about shoreline issues at www.shorestewards.wsu.edu.

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Installation of final nine water meters scheduled for the week of March 23, 2015

Starting the week of March 23, King Water will commence the installation of the last nine water meters at individual households. These are meters that are two deep in the meter box, fogged or in some cases there is no meter present. The meter project will take place over the next two weeks and will finalize the installation process.

Having meters at all individual households is a major step towards implementing a charge for water usage program.  Meter installations and charging for water usage, are both part of a Washington State Mandate, which has a due by date of January 1, 2017.

King does not anticipate having to shut the system down for the meter project, but as with any project, there may be pipe breaks or unforeseen problems, which may result in a temporary system shut down. If a shut down is necessary, community members will receive notification as timely as possible.