Occoquan Forest Water and Force Main Project FAQ
Is there a Service Authority Engineer overseeing the work?
The Service Authority has assigned a project manager to oversee this project
who is a licensed Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The
Service Authority also has a full-time inspector assigned to the project to ensure
that the work performed by the contractor meets Service Authority’s standards
and contractual requirements. Furthermore, the Service Authority has hired a
Geotechnical Inspection and Testing consultant to perform quality control testing
and inspections to ensure that the work performed by the contractor meets
Service Authority standards and contractual requirements.
Is someone at the Service Authority comparing the contractor’s work to the scope of
services that formed the basis of their bid?
The Service Authority awarded the construction contract to the lowest
responsible and responsive bidder as required by Virginia procurement
regulations following a due diligence review of the contractor’s bid to ensure it
met the contractual requirements, financial standing and references. The scope
of the work is dictated by the contract documents that include plans and
specifications. All work that has been performed to date is in compliance with the
contract documents. All work is consistent with the approved plans that have
been reviewed and permitted by VDOT.
There are hills and swales and the alignment needs to be inspected. Are there plans to
re-grade the surface disturbed by the pipeline excavation in order to restore positive
drainage?
The contract documents require the existing grades to be restored to original
condition upon completion of the project. VDOT has reviewed and approved the
project as designed. At this time, the contractor is restoring the roadway with
temporary hot asphalt and rough grading. Final grading, seeding and a
permanent road repair will occur in phases as directed by VDOT. All work is
being inspected by both Service Authority and VDOT personnel on a daily basis
for compliance with all applicable VDOT standards and contractual requirements.
All work within the Right of Way (including drainage) is regulated by VDOT.
VDOT will not sign off on project completion unless all work within the Right of
Way is completed to VDOT’s satisfaction. The Service Authority will not release
the contractor from their obligations until VDOT provides a final approval.
Are there plans to seed the surface with some grass?
The contract requires the contractor to restore existing seeded areas that are
disturbed by construction with seeding. The optimal seeding time is spring
through early fall (this period begins in May). During construction, the Service
Authority will continually review the project for compliance by stabilizing disturbed
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Occoquan Forest Water and Force Main Project FAQ
areas consistent with the requirements provided by DEQ and through the
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan included for this project.
Why has the contractor excavated and damaged asphalt and then returned to replace
the asphalt during the winter’s coldest month?
The Service Authority’s contractor is providing temporary hot asphalt repairs to
Davis Ford Road the same day they disturb it. VDOT allows cold or hot asphalt
patches on a temporary basis. The contractor has secured a supply of hot
asphalt, which is superior to cold patches. All temporary paving that has been
completed to date has been inspected and approved by VDOT. The contractor
will provide permanent road restoration by milling and resurfacing with VDOTapproved asphalt in sections as defined by VDOT inspection personnel. The
Service Authority team is inspecting the temporary pavement patches on a
daily basis and directing the contractor to take corrective action daily as
necessary.
Is silt fence a requirement for this project?
Yes, the silt fence is an erosion control feature that is required for all construction
activities regulated by Prince William County, VDOT, or the Commonwealth of
Virginia. As the majority of the Occoquan Forest project is within VDOT’s Right of
Way, the construction plans included erosion control measures and maintenance
of traffic plans that were reviewed and approved by VDOT in order to receive a
land use permit from the agency allowing the construction activities. The
contractor is installing the erosion control measures in areas of active
construction. The Service Authority must comply with these regulatory
requirements.
There are stakes along the frontage of my property. Will the trees and landscaping be
impacted if the water line is installed as the stakes indicate?
The Contractor has set in the ground what are called “offset” stakes along the
entire planned water and force main route. The stakes are offset 15 feet from the
actual location where the main is to be installed. The proposed water and sewer
mains to be installed are planned to be located either under the roadway
pavement or immediately adjacent to the edge of pavement.
Will fire hydrants be installed along the water main construction route?
The water main construction project that will take place on the southwest side
of Davis Ford Road (from Asdee Lane to Occoquan Forest Drive) includes the
installation of 18 fire hydrants at various locations along the route, including at
intersections: 13 fire hydrants along Davis Ford Road and 5 fire hydrants along
Asdee Lane.
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