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Simi, construction firm puzzle over repair problem
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More from County NewsAlthough work was set to start again Jan. 28 after months of construction limbo, a sewer reconstruction project on Lysander Avenue in Simi Valley is still on hold while the city and a contractor work to resolve the reasons why the first sewer line didn't take.
Colich Construction has set a new startup date of Feb. 18, while the city's public works department is asking for further clarification on the soils report performed by the contractor, as well as the method of construction that will be used.
The city and contractor have both sent letters to residents who were looking for answers as to why the project remained unfinished. The city has promised weekly letters to residents, updating them on construction progress.
Construction started in August and was finished three months later, but a city inspection revealed deficiencies in the new pipeline because of existing soil conditions. The city didn't sign off on the work because the work did not meet construction standards.
The newly finished sewer lines, just off Madera Road near Los Angeles Avenue, buckled and sagged. Residents say the street has been in disarray for months.
The city requested that the contractor use temporary power poles rather than a diesel generator to cut down on the noise and smell. The Feb. 8 letter reads, in part:
"The city wants to be assured that the second effort will be successful and that the construction disruption and duration will be minimal to the neighborhood.
This process may initially take more time to fully complete, but we believe will result in a successful project."
Colich also sent an update letter Feb. 7 to residents and thanked them for their patience.
Posted by tsetsaf on February 11, 2008 at 9:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Could that layer of soil be similar to the layer running under the 23 between Tierra Rejada and New Los Angeles? If you remember that layer buckled the freeway in several locations.
Posted by trek_queen on February 11, 2008 at 5:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
They certainly are "working" on the LA Ave/Madera part of the project. They woke me up Thursday morning at 4am with screeching metal from the equipment and again last night with noisy trucks and shouts of the workers 60 ft from our bedroom window at the back of the house.
Posted by Legal_American on February 11, 2008 at 7:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This has been brought up years ago. The City of Simi was warned by several different geologists about building in the high water table areas. They continued looking for new inspection agencies until they found one that told them it would be okay to build in the old farm fields behind the Simi bowl. A small percentage of the underground pumps from the 1950’s are still in working condition today and the City refuses to fund any new pumps. The City of Simi Valley also refuses to take any responsibility for the water that seeps out of the ground today, but has no problem with repairing the cracked and torn up streets that this problem has been creating for years. On the local street “Casarin”, by Royal & Erringer, the residents got together and complained about the water residue that has been proven to be unhealthy for people with respiratory problems and they had a pipe put in to drain into the Arroyo wash beside Royal High school. If anyone wants to see the problem, take a drive down Wallace St by Arcane & Hudspeth. The residents living there have not complained enough yet, but water seeps out 24/7 all year round.
Posted by UncleRico on February 12, 2008 at 7:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Makes you wonder about the residential project slated for the corner of LA Avenue and Madera. I remember hearing in the past that this parcel was not suitable for development because of clay and a high water table.
Posted by USA_ROCKS on February 14, 2008 at 3:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It isn't likely the contractor's fault.
The city refuses to acknowledge the problem where it has existed for some time, yet requires measures over and above in new developments as if to compensate. Extensive dewatering systems have been employed at recent projects in the hopes of alleviating problems in surrounding areas. Problem is, the new homeowners absorb the cost, only to find that the added benefit wasn't there.
Most areas are buildable if proper remediation measures are employed.
Posted by g37 on February 23, 2008 at 10:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Was the new sewer pipe installed per the specifications? Was the proper bedding used under and over the pipe? Was mechanical compaction used too close to the new conduit? Who provided inspection for the City? Has this Contractor been paid for the work?
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