FAQs

Rehabilitation Project Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the purpose of the project?
   This project is a continuation of the District’s overall pipeline rehabilitation initiative to increase the capacity and ensure the integrity of the valley’s sewer system. The purpose of the project is to assess, upgrade and repair the major pipelines entering its central wastewater treatment facility. This is the largest preventative maintenance project the District has ever undertaken.
   
   
2. How long will it take to complete the project?
   The project will be completed in two phases:
   
   Phase 1: Installation of bypass pumping equipment
   It will take an estimated six months to install the bypass pumping and make sure it is operational. The purpose of the bypass operation is to empty the pipelines that normally enter into the plant. Bypass lines will be used to carry sewer to the plant. Bypass pumping must continue throughout the entire project.
   
   Phase Two: Pipeline rehabilitation and installation
   The District estimates that the entire project will take at least 24 months to complete. However, this depends on the condition of the pipelines and what work is required to rehabilitate these lines. Once the bypass pumping is in place, crews will be able to better assess the condition of the pipes and determine what work has to be done. During this time, crews will also install new pipelines as necessary.
   
   
3. Why is this project important?
   This is necessary work to keep the sewer system operating for many years to come. The District began its overall project in March of 2005 with the rehabilitation of pipelines to the west and north of the central treatment plant. Once that phase of the project was complete, the District was able to address the major lines entering the plant.
   
   
4. When this work is done, will the sewer system be better or have more capacity in some way to accommodate local growth?
   Yes, when possible, pipelines will be built for maximum capacity. The District plans to install new pipelines under Flamingo Road in anticipation of future growth. This proactive measure prevents crews from having to go back to the area and install new pipes in the future.
   
   
5. Why must the project be done all at once, instead of at night or during off hours?
   This is the most efficient way to complete this work as quickly as possible. The pipelines that are being rehabilitated are all of the major pipelines entering the central plant. Unfortunately, there are no options for breaking the project into smaller phases, as the sewer must be diverted from all of these lines directly to the plant throughout the project.
   
   Crews have to work 24 hours a day once phase two begins and they begin relining the pipes. For any pipes that have to be replaced, the District plans to complete this work during daytime hours so as not to disturb our neighbors.
   
   
6. How will the District address odor problems and similar issues?
   As with any project, the District places a high emphasis on odor control, with extensive odor control efforts taking place on this project. Fans with scrubbers and chemical feed stations will be placed where bypass pumps and discharge points are located. Feeding air and chemicals into the sewer allows “bugs” to biologically alleviate odors. The District will isolate these points to the extent possible.
   
   
7. What is the District doing to make sure children from nearby schools are safe?
   The District will take any and all precautions within school zones to ensure the safety of the school children. In areas where crosswalks are impacted, District staff is working with school officials to come up with a workable solution, and pedestrian access for students and parents will be maintained around the schools.
   
   It’s important for parents to discuss important safety issues with their children and teach them not to play on or near bypass sewer lines or in construction zones. In the event of a sewer spill, children and parents need to take precautions to not come into contact with any of the waste.
   
   
8. What hours will work take place?
   The first phase of the project will be a 24-hour operation. When possible, crews will avoid working during evening hours in residential areas. During the second phase of the project, rehabilitation work will be conducted 24 hours a day, six days a week. Pipeline replacement work will take place during the day.
   
   
9. Will there be a noise factor that will be a nuisance for residents?
   In locations where the sewer flows are being pumped from a sewer line into a bypass line, or discharged back into another line, there may be audible noise from generators. Additionally, there will be noise during trenching, removal and installation of new sewer pipelines. However, noise reduction technologies will be employed to the extent possible to minimize the nuisance for our neighbors.
   
   
10. Why are there barricades up in my neighborhood, but no work being conducted? There will be traffic barricades and lane restrictions continually throughout the project where bypass pumping is taking place. All of the sewer flows that normally enter the plant through the main pipelines on Flamingo Road and Desert Inn Road are being diverted so the lines can be rehabilitated. The bypass pumps are necessary, as are the barricades, in order to complete work in other areas.
    
    
11. Where can people go to find out more information about the project on a regular basis?
    Updated information about the project is available on the District’s Web site at www.cleanwaterteam.com. People may also call the District’s project hotline at
    853-1333. In addition to information about traffic, people may leave questions or comments and a District official will return their call within 24 hours.