Managing a Troubling Asset: An Asset Management Approach to Emergency Repair

Trinity River Authority's Central Regional Wastewater System Plant is located in Grand Prairie, Texas, near Dallas/Fort-Worth (DFW) International Airport. The system has nearly five miles of in-plant drain lines collecting return flows from all across the plant through one 60-in. drain line emptying into the influent pumps stations. An assessment of the inplant drain line system was underway in the preliminary design phases when an unrelated construction project uncovered the manhole access to this 60-in. drain line, and the contractor notified the assessment team of severe signs of corrosion. A manned inspection was performed, and the inspection revealed that the pipe was nearing collapse. TRA declared an emergency repair and immediately started the process of approving funds for construction. The emergency portion of the project was successfully completed in less than two months. This project highlights the importance of keeping in mind that as asset management plans are being implemented and put in place, sometimes a troubling asset can require special attention. Therefore, it is important to have an emergency action plan in place in the case that an asset rehabilitation is elevated to emergency status.