Utility Systems Restoration Case Study

Problem

In October 2015, Death Valley National Park faced a severe challenge when heavy rains resulted in substantial flood damage to the utility systems serving Scotty’s Castle. The park needed to address several critical issues to restore functionality and reopen the area to the public:

• Erosion of Leach Field: The floodwaters significantly eroded a large portion of the leach field in the onsite wastewater treatment and disposal system, leaving it non-functional. This necessitated immediate attention to prevent environmental contamination and restore sanitary conditions.
• Temporary Non-potable Water System: A temporary non-potable water system was hastily set up to provide running water, but a permanent solution for supplying potable water was required to ensure public health and safety.
• Non-functional Electrical Distribution System: The electrical distribution system was rendered inoperative by the floods, necessitating a detailed inspection to identify the extent of the damage and the necessary repairs to bring the system back online.

Solution

HECO Engineers, in collaboration with the National Park Service (NPS), devised and executed a multi-faceted restoration plan to address the extensive damage. The solution encompassed detailed assessments, strategic planning, and meticulous execution to restore the utility systems:

• Damage Assessment and Scoping Trip: On May 4, 2016, HECO Engineers and the National Park System conducted a comprehensive scoping trip to evaluate the flood damage and identify viable solutions for restoring the utility systems.
• Final Scoping Trip Report and Preliminary Engineering Report (PER): By July 2016, HECO Engineers had submitted a 100% Final Scoping Trip letter report, followed by the completion of the Title I Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) in March 2017. These reports outlined the extent of the damage and proposed solutions.
• Value Analysis (VA/CBA): A Value Analysis using the Choosing By Advantages (VA/CBA) method was held on February 1-2, 2017, at the Death Valley National Park headquarters. This analysis identified the preferred alternatives for the septic system, electrical system, water system’s source, the replacement roof for the historic 40,000-gallon potable water tank, and the water line alignment from the water tanks to Scotty’s Castle.
• Preparation of Construction Documents (CDs): HECO Engineers prepared detailed Construction Documents (CDs) for the preferred alternatives, as outlined in the final Title I PER and the Title II CDs SOW.
• Construction Management and As-Constructed Drawings: HECO Engineers provided Title III construction management services throughout the project and prepared the as-constructed drawing set upon completion, ensuring all modifications were accurately documented.

Results

The diligent and comprehensive efforts of HECO Engineers led to the successful restoration of the utility systems at Scotty’s Castle, allowing the park to reopen the area to the public.

The key outcomes included:

• Restoration of Potable Water System: The establishment of a permanent potable water system ensured a reliable and safe water supply for visitors and staff.
• Replacement of the Eroded Leach Field: The wastewater treatment and disposal system was fully restored, including the replacement of the eroded leach field, ensuring proper sanitation and environmental safety.
• Repair and Reactivation of Electrical System: The electrical distribution system was meticulously repaired and reactivated, providing stable and reliable power to Scotty’s Castle.
• Reopening to the Public: With fully functional utility systems, Scotty’s Castle was safely reopened to the public, enhancing the visitor experience and operational efficiency of the park.

Successful Restoration of Scotty’s Castle Utilities

The project highlights HECO Engineers’ ability to manage complex utility restoration projects in challenging environments. The successful collaboration with the NPS ensured that Scotty’s Castle was restored and reopened to the public, demonstrating HECO’s commitment to excellence in civil engineering and construction management.

If you have a similar project or need a free 30-minute review of your upcoming project, call or contact HECO Engineers today.