Sewer Line Replacement Costs Escalate

Because of a competitive contracting environment, costs for replacing two major sewer lines in the city could run up to $21 million, more than twice the amount originally anticipated.

The first phase of the project, scheduled to take place this summer, was originally estimated to cost $5.2 million. On Tuesday, the City Council unanimously accepted a low bid of $10.4 million for the work.

The second phase, estimated to cost $3.2 million, could go up as well, according to a report by city staffers.

The ultimate cost of both phases could reach $21 million, the report said.

The work includes reconstruction of two aged sewer lines that run through the narrow Hill Canyon to the waste-water treatment plant. It also entails refurbishing an existing line for emergency use.

One of the lines scheduled for replacement is the sewer main that broke in February, unleashing 86 million gallons of untreated waste to the Pacific.

That spill is the subject of state and federal environmental probes.

Interim City Manager MaryJane Lazz attributes the increased cost to the complexities of the project and the fact that contractors have their pick of projects to bid for after this winter’s heavy El Nino storms. Waiting to replace the lines is not an option, she said.