In Case of Emergency
Auburn Tunnel Plug/Valve Chamber Concrete and Valve Removal
Syblon Reid was awarded a contract by Placer County Water Agency to remove obstructions in their Auburn Tunnel to supply greater flexibility for increased demands for water in southern Placer County. Working under Cal OSHA Tunnel Safety Orders, Syblon Reid and their subcontractor, Neil's Controlled Blasting, were awarded the contract to:
- Remove a 39 foot long by 10 foot diameter concrete plug (approx 140 cubic yards)
- Three 24 inch roto valves
- Two 24" Howell bunger valves, all connecting piping/hydraulic systems to the valves
- Plus another 60 cubic yards of heavily reinforced concrete pedestals and walls in the valve chamber.
Access to the removal locations were achieved by a horizontal 1000' distance through a lined tunnel and via a 420 foot depth by 8 foot diameter vertical shaft. All work in the tunnel had to be completed in a 30 day window due to irrigation demands. Work was completed ahead of schedule despite several previously unknown scopes of work changes. (Lead paint removal, excessively corroded hydraulic lines/anchors, etc.)
Project Photos
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