BACKGROUND
What is the project?
The second largest capital improvement project in recent history, the eight-million gallon (8MG) Peck Reservoir Replacement Project, a replacement of the City’s largest drinking water storage reservoir, began construction in October 2020.
Where is the Peck Reservoir located?
The project is located at the existing reservoir site and will not be expanded. The facility is located at 1800 North Peck Avenue in the east part of the city adjacent to a residential neighborhood, Begg Sports Field and the north boundary of the Manhattan Beach Unified School District property and Polliwog Park.
What are the project elements?
The 8MG Peck Reservoir Replacement Project includes:
- 8MG Reservoir
The new concrete reservoir will replace the former one built in 1957 and increase capacity by 500,000 gallons to store drinking water supplies and serve the City in firefighting and during emergencies.
- Pump Station Control Building
This building will house new efficient pumping and electrical equipment that will transport water from the reservoir to the City’s water distribution system.
- Operations Control Building
The control center serves as the “brain” that manages the activities of the systems on site.
- Groundwater Treatment Facility
This facility (new chemical storage building and steel tanks) will house a state-of-the-art groundwater filtration system that will increase the use of the City’s local source of drinking water.
- Offsite Pipeline Replacement
This offsite street trench work will replace an aged well water transmission pipeline in the adjacent neighborhood along 18th Street, Herrin Avenue and 19th Street on the east side of the reservoir site. A new sanitary sewer pipeline will be constructed along 18th Street to Herrin Avenue. Likewise, utility services will be reconnected in the intersection of Peck Ave and 18th Street.
- California Native Landscape
The new partially buried reservoir will be buffered by landscaped retaining walls and earth berms. Native, drought tolerant plants, shrubs and grasses will decorate the reservoir site along with city-friendly, colorful blooming crepe myrtle trees that will dot the edges along 19th Street and Peck Avenue. New fencing and sidewalks will provide for perimeter security and path of travel around the site.
How does this project benefit the community?
The existing reservoir is more than 60-years-old and is in need of replacement. The project enhances the City’s drinking water storage and system reliability to help ensure long-term dependability. In addition, the project will balance the use of local groundwater with the current imported supply. Bringing the existing facilities and equipment up to today’s standards helps to protect the water supply and distribution for the residents of Manhattan Beach.
Who is building this project?
The City awarded a contract to Pacific Hydrotech Corporation for the construction of the project. In addition, the City awarded a contract to Butier Engineering for construction management and inspection of the project.
PROJECT CONSTRUCTION DETAILS
When does construction begin and how long will it last?
Construction began in October 2020 and is expected to be complete in Summer 2023.
What are the construction days and hours?
Construction work typically occurs Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. IF construction is needed on weekends or evenings, residents will be notified in advance.
Where will construction activity occur?
Construction will primarily occur on the reservoir site. However, offsite pipeline trench construction will occur in the public right-of-way in the adjacent neighborhood along 18th Street, Herrin Avenue and 19th Street on the east side of the reservoir site. A new sanitary sewer pipeline will be constructed along 18th Street to Herrin Avenue. Likewise, utility services will be reconnected in the intersection of Peck Ave and 18th Street. The project will not affect or impede private property.
How will the work site be secured during non-working hours and days?
A construction fence with locked gates will surround the construction site, security cameras and notification signs are placed around the perimeter of the construction site. Additional security measures will be implemented, as required.
Will fuel or other chemicals be stored on site during construction?
No.
Will streets remain open during construction?
Local access will be maintained around the perimeter of the site to the extent is practical throughout construction. During delivery of equipment and materials, temporary access may be affected briefly. If needed, the contractor may implement a traffic control plan to decrease disruption to vehicular and pedestrian flow.
CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS AND MITIGATION
Was an environmental review conducted for the project?
Prior to construction of the Peck Reservoir Replacement Project, the City conducted a thorough environmental review process that included a year-long intensive public education and public outreach program to educate residents about the need to replace the existing reservoir and solicit their comments about any concerns, issues and impacts they had about the project.
The City held three community meetings and received many questions, but the overall outcome of the environmental review process was a clear understanding of the need for the project and a broad base of support.
As the lead agency, the City followed the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process and approved the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) in June 2019. Included in the IS/MND is the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) that was developed to ensure potential impacts would be mitigated to a less than significant level during construction.
How will my water service and other utilities be affected during construction?
There will be no impact to water service or other utility services. The Peck Reservoir will be out of service during construction. City Public Works staff will operate the water system through the use of the City’s second reservoir site and in case of an emergency interconnections with Metropolitan Water District (MWD), Cal Water Service (Redondo Beach) and City of El Segundo will be utilized.
Will construction on the site be visible to residents?
Screened construction fencing and sound walls have been installed around the perimeter of the site as part of the MMRP.
Two viewing windows are located at the corner of 19th Street and Peck Avenue allowing residents to see into the construction work area.
- Visitors to the viewing windows view at their own risk and
- are urged to practice at least six (6) feet social distancing.
- Residents are urged to be aware of their surroundings and acknowledge, as an active construction site, full attention and safety must be practiced at all times.
How will noise be addressed during construction?
Sound walls are installed along the perimeter of the site adjacent to residences to absorb noise. Heavy equipment used during construction are in compliance with the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP). These mitigation measures are intended to reduce the impacts to the neighborhood to a less than significant level.
How will vibration issues be addressed?
A geotechnical survey and a preconstruction survey were conducted prior to the start of work that recorded existing conditions. Noise and vibration levels will be kept at or below industry standards. Vibration monitors placed around the construction site also monitor levels allowing the contractor to alter methods to reduce impact.
How will dust be contained on site during construction?
To minimize dust during construction, the contractor will water down excavated dirt piles when needed, cover the excavated material and street sweeping will occur along streets used for the hauling route. Perimeter screened construction fencing and plywood extension will also help mitigate potential migrating dust from the site.
Where will construction workers park?
Construction workers will park in the project site and at a designated offsite location. Construction workers are not allowed to use residential streets for parking.
What are the hauling routes for the project?
Deliveries of materials and equipment is a regular part of construction activities.
Hauling Route(s):
The approved designated hauling route is Peck Avenue.
- The primary hauling route is from Marine Avenue to Peck Avenue
- The alternate hauling route is from Peck Avenue to Manhattan Beach Boulevard
What is the project impact on residential streets and their existing conditions?
The contractor is required to use approved designated haul routes. If there is an impact on the residential streets, street resurfacing will occur after project completion as part of a separate City project contract.
What is the project impact to sidewalks, crosswalks, bike paths and bike lanes?
There is no impact to crosswalks, bike paths or bike lanes. Temporary intermittent sidewalk closures may occur. New ADA sidewalks and curb ramp will be constructed as part of the project including, along 19th Street and Peck Ave connecting the overall path of travel in the vicinity.
How will the project affect public transportation?
Public transportation will not be affected by the project.
What is the impact of construction on park, school, sports and recreation activities?
A portion (north half) of the Begg Sports Field will be used to store excavated soil material. That section of Begg Field will be fenced and secured during use.
The field will be restored including new sod grass turf and infields, LED lighting improvements, and perimeter chain link fencing.
As students are returning to school campuses, the project should have minimal impact school drop-off/pick-up activities. Appropriate Traffic Control will be implemented and School District will be notified of impending construction activities.
Will you remove trees and other landscaping from the project site?
Yes, all trees will be removed from the site. California native landscaping will be implemented as part of the final construction. Included in the landscaping are city-friendly blooming crepe myrtle trees.
Will the project affect any natural or urban habitats or have any effects on the native environment of plant or animal species?
The completed project will not impede the movement of wildlife through the region. Because the project is located within an urbanized area, it is unlikely that wildlife will utilize the immediate area for regional movement as mapped by the California Essential Habitat Connectivity Areas within the project area.
As part of the MMRP, to avoid any impact to nesting birds, initial ground-disturbing activities and tree removal will occur outside the nesting season.
PROJECT CONTACT INFORMATION
How do I contact the project team if I have a question, concern, complaint or compliment?
As one of the most important capital improvement projects in Manhattan Beach, the City hired Murakawa Communications as part of the construction management to coordinate information for the project.
Residents can call, email or visit the City project webpage.
From time to time throughout the construction process, neighbors residing directly adjacent to the reservoir will receive construction notices at their door. The Construction Information Team will also disseminate other notifications through the appropriate City information outlets.
The latest construction notices are also posted on the City’s project webpage.
Please contact our Construction Information Team by email or phone.
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Trisha Murakawa or Joshua Melendez |
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Construction Information Hotline
(424) 246-6876 |
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If you have a question about the project not related to construction, the City Department of Public Works contact is Gilbert Gamboa, PE, City Project Manager at (310) 802-5356 or via email |