Establishing a CCTV Inspection, Assessment, and Improvement Program for a Large Diameter Collection System

The Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA), formed in 1950, serves a 242 square mile area located in the southwest corner of San Bernardino County, approximately 35 miles east of Los Angeles. IEUA provides regional wastewater service and imported water deliveries to several contracting agencies. IEUA's Non-Reclaimable Wastewater System (NRWS) is a large diameter pipeline and force main system, about 55 miles long, conveying non-reclaimable wastewater or "brine." Over the years, records for this system became outdated and the condition of the pipelines and manholes were unknown. In the summer of 2005, IEUA contracted with PBS&J, an engineering consulting firm, to locate, inspect and assess the NRWS, including approximately 5 miles of force main, and 613 manholes. PBS&J teamed with Houston & Harris, PCS, Inc. (H&H) to inspect the sewers. Cecilia's Safety Services prepared the temporary traffic control plans, acquired the traffic permits, and performed the traffic control set up and take down for the inspection efforts. California Surveying Corporation located the inspected manholes using global positioning system (GPS) equipment to locate the manholes to the nearest 0.1 of a foot. The NRWS Capital Improvements Program Plan provided IEUA with recommendations for capital improvements, cleaning recommendations and on-going system maintenance efforts for the NRWS. The inspection and assessment work occurred between September 2005 and January 2006. The fast-paced schedule required the completion of the final report by March 1, 2006.