Brentwood reservoir in need of repairs

Miriam Ostermann
Times Associate Editor

 

The Band-Aid solution put in place addressing the ever-deteriorating state of the support columns in the Brentwood reservoir no longer mask the dire, and possibly life-threatening, situation that requires nearly half-a-million dollars in repairs – well under budget than was previously expected.
A whopping $1.1 million budget was calculated into the 2015 budget year for Brentwood reservoir repairs. Having already spent $245,000 in inspections, designs, and bypasses this year, the $440,000 price-tag associated with the upcoming repair project’s cost came as an unexpected surprise.
“During 2015 we upgraded bypasses worked on the water model for the town to ensure that we were ok to bypass the structure during repairs, and we also worked on the design and scope for the tender itself,” said Acting Director of Engingeering Bryce Mackan.
“Once the repairs are done we’re expecting a minimum of five-year lifespan with possible scaffolding or other means to support the reservoir until upgrades or changes can be made to the water distribution system.”
Since 2009, the columns supporting the roof structure of the reservoir have been in a state of decay. As a result, with regular inspections through Epcor Utilties Inc., scaffolding was installed to support the structure. However, the failing support posts, a crack along the outside wall showing leakage, and concerns about sidewall deterioration raised the repairs’ significance further.
“They concluded that the reservoir is at risk of failure and due to its close proximity to residential and light industrial development failure of the tank could lead to major property damage and potential loss of life,” said Mackan.
“Long-term plan right now is that a reservoir, similar to the Wildflower reservoir, was to be built on the east side of town and at that time then Brentwood would be decommissioned. In those long-term plans Brentwood was expected to last until approximately 2025-2030. Brentwood is not going to last that long.”
The reservoir was drained in May 2015, to allow structural engineers from Associated Engineering (AE) to complete a thorough inspection and assessment. Mackan assured council that expectations for greater deterioration are low since the last inspection.
The project will include $340,000 for construction, $10,000 for snow removal, $15,000 for disinfection after construction, $54,000 for contingency, and a five per cent, $20,950, Epcor management fee.
While the repairs only address the deteriorating columns inside the structure and the wall crack, AE provided a report that stated a roof crack and deformation were also observed, further reducing slab punching shear capacity – a type of failure of reinforced concrete slabs.
Council agreed to award Gabriel Construction – Epcor’s tender recommendation – with the Brentwood reservoir repair project and approved the $440,000 plus GST to complete the project. Councillor Pat Fule and Councillor Rocky Blokland were absent during the meeting on Dec. 16.