Oxnard Wastewater Treatment Plant

In Oxnard, California, HPS Mechanical, Inc. is worked on an addition to the existing City of Oxnard Wastewater Treatment Plant that treats sewage before it is pumped out into the ocean. Several combined sewers increase the amount if influent during rains. The plant uses chlorination during three steps of its process:

1. To reduce odor in the trunk line feeding the plant, chlorine is injected into the line at various points outside the plant. This chlorine comes from inside the plant.
2. As it works its way through the plant the influent is treated with additional chlorine whenever its residual chlorine content gets too low.
3. As the water completes its cleaning it is treated with a final dosage of chlorine. When the effluent is ready to leave the plant it is treated with sulfur dioxide to remove the chlorine from the water before being pumped into the ocean. The City has always used tanks of chlorine gas and sulfur dioxide gas in its processes. Both of these gases are extremely toxic. The city has decided that they would prefer to store the active ingredients in stable, solid solutions and keep fewer tanks of gas for backup purposes only.

This project was to replace the existing gas cylinders with tanks that can store the chorine as Sodium Hypochlorite and the sulfur dioxide as Sodium Bisulfite. This made the plant much safer and reduced the potential liability to the surrounding community. Additionally, HPS upgraded the scrubber. The scrubber is a piece of equipment that can make the chlorine gas non-toxic in case a leak occurs at a chlorine cylinder. Even small amounts of chlorine gas can be lethal, and a plant this size uses chlorine by the tons.

Replace Steam Distribution Lines Phase I at Marine Corps Recruit Depot - General Contractor

Installing steam lines under existing streets on a military base where recruits marched daily presented unique challenges to HPS project planners. The construction had to be coordinated with base operations so that training could continue uninterrupted. Other concerns for base operations were how the HPS jobsite would aesthetically fit in with the base’s image, which is as clean and neat as Disneyland before it opens, and how HPS crews could potentially affect the morale of new recruits. These were not difficult goals to achieve since HPS crews are always professional and neat and equipment is kept clean, painted and maintained. Everything about the HPS operation blended nicely into the overall picture. In addition, the site was maintained to project an image of modernization rather than of a base in need of repair. By listening closely during partnering meetings HPS was able to tailor our operation to exceed the client’s requirements.

Utility Duct Bank at Lindbergh Field - General Contractor

This project was another logistical challenge successfully met by HPS. The difficult task here was to install underground heating and chilling lines in a busy airport. These lines ran through existing parking lots, around terminals currently in use, and in tarmac areas where planes taxied or parked daily. Some areas needed to be open during the day so planes could take off and land, other areas needed to be opened during the night so that planes could park. Passenger areas needed to be operational at all times with minimal disturbance during peak hours. In addition, this project was undertaken with a very compressed time frame; as one of several projects in a critical path leading up to August 1996 and the Republican Convention, any changes which arose could not affect the completion date. Once again, by participating fully in partnering sessions, HPS was able to thoroughly understand the needs and phasing requirements of the owners and put in place systems to expedite changes and unforeseen conditions, As the project progressed HPS was able to preemptively identify and resolve areas of impact that had not been anticipated by the owners. Even though changes were generated in excess of $200,000, the original target completion date was made.

Lake Isabella Community Water Project - General Contractor

Tying three small water companies together into one system without disrupting service to any customers was a tall order to begin with. Adding to the complexity were a 120 day construction schedule, plus state and federal water quality requirements. Not surprisingly, all of the bids for the project came in over the funding available. As the low bidder, HPS was able to meet with the engineer and suggest cost savings to keep the project within budget while maintaining the original intent of the design. All work was done in existing streets and alleys and the project was completed on time and within budget. Total contract was $1,050,000 including subcontracting of electrical, asphalt paving, and steel tank construction.

4950 Test Wing Relocation - Subcontractor

Edwards Air Force Base is one of the busiest in the country, and because of a previous contractor’s problems making a similar system operational, they were understandably concerned about this project. HPS’s job as a subcontractor to Hensel Phelps was to install an 8” stainless steel jet fuel line double containment pipe system in the existing runway. The new line tied into existing fuel lines and HPS had to keep hangers accessible, have fuel available to filling pits and keep the runway clean for 24-hour use. In the middle of the project HPS made an extra effort to keep the construction area clean for the base’s annual air show. The total subcontract was $3,300,000 and HPS had no subcontractors on this project.

P-853 Water Distribution Improvement at Camp Pendleton - General Contractor

There were two key design concerns on this $920,000 project at the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton; a 520’ x 36” bore under Interstate 5 and railroad lines and two miles of pipe in a highly traveled street on the base. HPS redesigned the project with a value engineering proposal which added street bores but moved the pipeline out of the street. This gave the base the same end product for the same cost. The bore costs offset the savings on paving but eliminated the inconvenience of construction in a busy road. This also limited the potential for accidents, as no open trenches were in the roadway. HPS subcontracted the boring and monitored it closely to insure that no problems developed.

County of Kern Juvenile Hall Re-Pipe - General Contractor

During this $1,030,000 re-pipe of the local juvenile facility security was a primary concern of the owner. To satisfy those concerns tool trailers were installed on the roof with no access available from inside the compound. Work crews remained on the roof the entire shift, keeping tools and materials away from the inmates. Phasing on this project was critical as a certain number of beds were required to be available at all times. While piping was being done in one wing, all other wings had to remain completely operational. HPS made design and phasing changes to meet these needs. Subcontractors were utilized for all electrical, insulation, tile and wall patching.

Repair JP-4 Line

HPS was a subcontractor to R.J. Lanthier on this project. HPS's contract was for $170,000, with the overall project being $240,000. In making the repairs indicated in the plans, HPS discovered more leaks. HPS helped the Corps determine the scope of the problem, which the Corps is now resolving with the appropriate parties from the original contract.

Kern County Medical Center Kitchen Mechanical Piping

HPS was the general contractor on this additional piping done in the middle of the existing hospital. HPS had to rent a chiller to keep all lines operational until all the new connections were made. HPS determined that the point of connection as designed would not work, and located a point that would. HPS was able to work with the owner to make this critical path change without delaying the project. This is a $56,000 contract.

Sorrento Valley Trunk Sewer and Pump Station 89

The project is located in two main areas. Segments 1, 2, & 6 are located on Sorrento Valley Road between Carmel Mountain Road and Sorrento Valley Blvd. Segment 3, 4, 5, & Pump Station 89 are located on Roselle St. between Sorrento Valley Blvd. and Estuary Way. Work on this project includes the construction of an underground Pump Station & Emergency Storage Reservoir. Work in Segments 1 through 6 involves installation of approximately 8,670 feet of 8” to 24” sewer lines.