Unforeseen Challenges in a Seemingly Simple Large-Diameter Water Line Project

The project consists of installing roughly 9 mi of 42-in. pipe through an Engineer Procure Construct (EPC) contract. The pipeline alignment runs along an existing transmission power corridor, within an abandoned landfill, and along a public right-of-way adjacent to an active landfill. The pipeline is primarily located within easements. In addition to the challenges arising from the project being located primarily within coastal wetlands of South Florida, the project had to overcome an aggressive schedule, with design, permission, and installation that need to be completed within 2 years of notice to proceed. The challenges observed on this project included easement challenges, difficult site conditions, with the contractor having to battle a high groundwater table, unstable soils and tidal influences, coordination with local and federal stakeholders, installation parallel to an existing 54-in. PCCP force main, and high-voltage transmission lines. This paper will focus on discussing the various challenges encountered and the solutions and strategies implemented to overcome the setbacks.