Description

Thomas/Wright, Inc. designed a new water system for the Tongue Point Job Corps Center in Astoria, Oregon. The Job Corps Center is on the Oregon Coast and is part of a program for the United States Department of Labor. A base map was prepared which identified all existing utilities at the retired Navy Base (World War II era) that is now the Job Corps Center. The existing water system at the site has exceeded its design life and has many leaks. The new water system was designed to be installed while the existing system is still in operation. This system was also sized to handle fire flows to the existing buildings’ sprinkler systems.

The new water system was modeled using Haestad Methods WaterCAD Hydraulic Modeling software. The existing pipe contains asbestos material and a hazardous materials handling specification is part of the design package. The site contains several different areas with petroleum contaminated soils. A Contaminated Media Management Plan was prepared for use during construction. T/WI is also managing the bidding assistance, construction administration and contract closeout activities.

The project also included the preparation of a soils subsidence report. The site was filled with dredge spoils from the Columbia River. The area adjacent to the seawall at the Center is currently experiencing sinkholes, subsidence of pavement, and settlement of utilities. Ground Penetrating Radar, borings, and structural analysis were used to prepare a report and recommendations for repair of the subsidence area.