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Water Main Extension Policy

WATER MAIN EXTENSION POLICY, PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS
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A. POLICY FOR WATER MAIN EXTENSIONS

1. The Applicant shall submit a written request to the North Tiverton Fire District for each water main extension.

a. The written request shall indicate the name, location, map and lot numbers and zoning of the property the main extension will serve.

b. A master site plan of the area to be served shall be provided with the written request. The master plan shall be at a scale sufficient to provide the plan on a maximum size sheet of 11” x 17”.

c. The written request shall indicate the number of residential lots to be served by the proposed extension. For non-residential uses, the Applicant must show the building footprint on the master plan, the square footage of occupancy and an estimate of water usage. The usage estimate shall include average day, maximum day and peak demand and shall be prepared and stamped by a professional engineer registered in the State of Rhode Island.

d. Site plans for water main extensions shall be submitted, along with the required application fee, as specified herein.

2. Applications for water service in areas of the District previously unserved shall be granted under the following conditions:

a. Water mains shall be constructed to the end(s) of Applicant’s property line(s) which abut(s) property, if any, not then having other reasonable access to District water lines.

b. New water mains constructed hereunder shall be connected to all existing water mains proximate to the area wherever practical for the purpose of “looping” the District system. This section shall be interpreted so as to provide access to District water lines for the greatest potential number of future water customers within the District and in furtherance of the purposes for which this District was incorporated and to minimize the number of dead-end pipelines.

c. All water main and service connection materials, construction and inspection required hereunder shall be at the sole cost and expense of the Applicant.

d. All applications made hereunder shall include construction plans approved in writing by the District and in compliance with the specifications herein.

e. Easements in a form acceptable to the Administrative Board permitting the maintenance, repair or replacement of water lines and all other related activities by the District shall be required from the Applicant.

f. Review of any requirements for water service hereunder shall be considered by the Administrative Board upon written request by the Applicant.

g. The Administrative Board reserves the right to reject any application for service to any property owner or developer if, in the opinion of the Board, such application or combined applications might jeopardize the existing water system by causing an excessive demand upon the District’s contracted supply, or by affecting the District’s ability to deliver water for domestic use or fire protection.

3. The Board may approve a permanent dead-end water main extension that is hydraulically designed to serve only the Applicant’s subdivided property provided the Board determines that:

a. A loop-in of the extension is not feasible and/or will not offer a significant benefit to the existing or future water system by:

1) providing water main access to other areas that may be developed in the future
2) eliminating existing dead-end mains
3) improving system reliability
4) improving water quality, and/or
5) improving fire protection;
6) the existing water system can provide adequate fire protection for the Applicant’s property;
7) the water main extension will service six or fewer single family dwelling units
8) the approval of a hydraulically designed water main does not otherwise increase the District’s exposure to potential new customers
9) the size of the hydraulically designed water main does not exceed a nominal pipe diameter of three inches (3”)

B. PROCEDURE FOR SUBMITTAL OF PLANS FOR WATER MAIN EXTENSION APPROVAL

1. The submittal procedure shall be as follows:

a. The Applicant shall submit two (2) sets of full size prints of the construction drawings to the NTFD for approval.

b. Upon review by the NTFD, one (1) set of full size prints with the required modifications duly noted, if any, shall be returned to the Applicant.

c. The required modifications, if any, shall be carefully and neatly incorporated onto the original construction drawings by the Applicant.

d. Three (3) sets of full size prints of the revised construction drawings shall be submitted to the NTFD by the Applicant for final review and approval. If the revised drawings are not acceptable, the applicant shall revise and resubmit the drawings until approval is given.

e. One (1) set of the approved full size prints shall be returned to the Applicant for his/her records.

2. Drafting Standards

a. Site plans shall meet the following standards:

1) Drawings shall include a legend containing the name of the subdivision or project, the name of the Applicant, the name of the person or company that prepared the plans, the date and the scale.
2) Plans shall be orientated such that north is located in the upper right hand quadrant of the drawing. A north arrow shall be shown on each plan.
3) Match lines to other plans shall be provided.
4) Plans shall be drawn to a horizontal scale of 40 feet to the inch. The vertical scale of profiles shall be 4 feet to the inch.
5) Drawings shall be professionally drafted and stamped by a professional engineer registered in the State of Rhode Island.
6) Drawings shall be 22” x 34” in size.

3. Site Plan Standards

a. Water main drawings shall include the following information:

1) Proposed roadways and road rights-of way including all property lines and street lines.
2) Existing and required utility easements.
3) All future roadways planned by the Applicant or required by the Town of Tiverton Planning Board.
4) Dimensions for all property lines and centerline of road lengths; property line angles and arcs shall be clearly shown.
5) Existing water system including mains, valves, hydrants, blow-offs, tees and branches left for future system expansion and other appurtenances.
6) Proposed water system.
7) All other existing and proposed utilities including but not limited to, storm sewers and catch basins, sanitary sewers, underground electrical and telephone line, utility poles, gas lines, cable television, etc.
8) Complete detail of adjacent roadways, easements, utilities, etc., when the NTFD requires the proposed water main extension to be looped into the existing water system.
9) Profile of centerline of roadway, right-of-way or easement where the waterline will be installed.
10) The District’s standard details for hydrants thrust blocks and air vents.

4. Other required data:

a. Profile drawings of all existing and proposed sanitary and storm sewers shall be provided.

b. When required by the District Engineer, the Applicant shall provide adequate soil test data taken along the proposed routing of the new water system.

c. Any and all other data or submittals deemed necessary by the District Engineer to ensure adequate design and construction of the proposed water system expansion.

C. ADMINISTRATION

1. Guarantee

a. The Applicant shall guarantee all materials furnished and work performed for a period of one (1) year from the date of preliminary acceptance and start-up. The Applicant warrants and guarantees for a period of one (1) year from the date of preliminary acceptance and start-up of the system that the completed system is free from all defects due to faulty materials or workmanship and the Applicant shall promptly make such corrections as may be necessary by reason of such defects including the repairs of any damage to other parts of the system resulting from such defects. The NTFD will give notice of observed defects with reasonable promptness. In the event that the Applicant should fail to make such repairs, adjustments, or other work that may be made necessary by such defects, the District may do so and charge the Applicant the cost thereby incurred. The performance bond shall remain in full force and effect throughout the guarantee period.

2. Performance Bond

a. The Applicant shall provide a performance bond to the North Tiverton Fire District prior to the start of construction. The performance bond shall be in full force and effect for the duration of the project construction plus thirteen months after preliminary acceptance and start-up of the pipeline, or until any defects in material or workmanship discovered during the guarantee period are properly repaired and accepted by the District.

b. The performance bond form and sureties shall be as approved by the NTFD.

c. The performance bond shall be written for a total value equal to 100% of all costs associated with the completed installation of the approved pipeline.

3. Application Fee

a. The Applicant shall pay a non-refundable application fee of $100.00 per one thousand (1,000) linear feet of required pipeline.

4. Inspection

a. The North Tiverton Fire District will provide a representative to inspect the construction of the pipeline, water services, and appurtenances, and to witness the required pressure and leakage test and pipeline chlorination.

b. Inspection of the pipeline installation and witnessing of tests by the District, and subsequent approval does not in any way relieve the Applicant from his responsibility to properly install the pipeline in accordance with the District’s standards. Preliminary approval of the pipeline installation by the District does not indicate that the pipeline was constructed in strict accordance with the District’s standards and does not in any way alter the responsibility of the Applicant to guarantee the pipeline for the thirteen-month warranty period.

c. The cost for all administration, inspection and coordination provided by the District during construction/design shall be borne by the Applicant. The rates for this work shall be as follows:

1) Office Personnel – $45/hr.
2) Maintenance Personnel – $45/hr. ($67.50/hr. after hours)
3) General Manager and Superintendent – $100/hr.
4) Engineering – At cost
5) Legal – At cost
6) Water for Flushing and Testing – Per Schedule of Water Rates

Acceptance by the District

Preliminary Acceptance

Preliminary acceptance of the water main extension shall be made by the District upon successful installation, testing and startup of the new system and approval of as-built drawings in accordance with the specifications herein and as directed by the District.

Start-up shall mean the opening of all valves and the servicing of the water main extension with system pressure and water from the District’s system after successful completion and approval of all required tests.

The District shall operate the water main extension and perform minor routine maintenance such as flushing and exercising of valves, as necessary, until final acceptance of the pipeline.

The Applicant shall be responsible for performing any required repairs to the water main extension during the guarantee period and until final acceptance by the District.

Final Acceptance

Within 30 days prior to the expiration of the guarantee period, the District shall conduct a final inspection of the water main extension and notify the Applicant concerning any defects to be corrected.

The inspection shall include, but is not limited to, a leak detection survey by District personnel, and operation of valves, hydrants, blow-offs and curb stops.

The Applicant shall remedy any defects to the satisfaction of the District within 30 days of notice thereof.

The cost of the final inspection and inspection of any correction of defects shall be borne by the Applicant.

Final acceptance shall be certified in writing by the District. Upon final acceptance, the water main extensions shall become the property of the District.

Within 30 days after final acceptance the Administrative Board shall release the Performance Bond.

Working Hours

Water main extension work may be performed Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, unless otherwise directed in writing by the District.

Indemnification

The Applicant and his/her Subcontractors will indemnify and hold harmless the District and its agents and employees from and against all claims, damages, losses and expenses including attorney’s fees arising out of or resulting from the performance of the work, provided that any such claims, damage, loss or expense is attributable to bodily injury, sickness, disease or death, or to injury to or destruction of tangible property including the loss of use resulting therefrom; and is caused in whole or in part by any negligent or willful act or omission of the Applicant and his/her Subcontractors, anyone directly or indirectly employed by any of them or anyone for whose acts any of them may be liable.

In any and all claims against the District or any of its agents or employees by any employee of the Applicant and his Subcontractors, anyone directly or indirectly employed by any of them, or anyone for whose acts any of them may be liable, the indemnification of obligation shall not be limited in any way by any limitation on the amount or type of damages, compensation or benefits payable by or for the Applicant or any Subcontractors under Workers’ Compensation Acts, disability benefit acts or other employee benefit acts.

Insurance

The Applicant shall procure and shall maintain, during the life of the contract period, Contractor’s General Public Liability Insurance including products and completed operations coverage. The North Tiverton Fire District shall be named as an additional insured on the liability policy. Insurance coverage shall have a limit of liability of not less than $1,000,000 for all damages arising out of bodily injury and/or property damage, including death, at any time resulting therefrom, sustained by any one person in any one accident; and a limit of liability of not less than $2,000,000 aggregate for any such damage sustained by two or more persons in any one accident.

The Applicant shall maintain, during the life of the contract period, vehicle liability coverage with a limit of liability of not less than $1,000,000.

The Applicant shall procure and maintain, during the life of the contract period, in accordance with the provisions of the laws of the State of Rhode Island, Workers’ Compensation Insurance for all of the Contractor’s employees.

In the event that work is sublet, the Applicant shall require such Subcontractor similarly to provide Contractor’s General Public Liability Insurance, Vehicle Liability Coverage, and Worker’s Compensation Insurance for all of the Subcontractor’s employees.

District’s Representative and Referenced Standards

Any reference herein to the North Tiverton Fire District, the District, NTFD or District Engineer shall mean the District’s General Manager and Superintendent or his authorized representative.

Any references made herein to standards promulgated by other agencies shall be deemed to refer to the latest editions of said standards.

The reference to Owner in American Water Works Association (AWWA) and other standards referenced herein shall be interpreted to mean the North Tiverton Fire District.

Applicant’s Supervision and Subcontractors

The Applicant will be solely responsible for the means, methods, techniques, sequences and procedures of construction. The Applicant will employ and maintain on the work site a qualified supervisor or superintendent who shall have been designated in writing by the Applicant as the Applicant’s representative at the site. The supervisor shall have full authority to act on behalf of the Applicant and all communications given to the supervisor shall be as binding as if given to the Applicant. The supervisor shall be present on the site at all times as required to perform adequate supervision and coordination of the work.

Any Subcontractor engaged by the Applicant to install water mains, water services or appurtenances shall be approved by the District.

MATERIAL STANDARDS

General:

The manufacturers of pipe, fittings, valves, hydrants, and service tubing shall furnish a sworn statement that the inspection and all specified tests have been made and all results thereof comply with the requirement of the referenced AWWA standards.

Shop drawings or catalogue cuts shall be provided for all pipe, fittings, gate valves, tapping sleeves, road boxes, curb boxes, service tubing and other materials as directed by the District.

The printed recommendations of the material manufacturer shall be provided to the District upon request.

Pipe:

Ductile Iron, AWWA C151, Class 52

Cement lining, AWWA C104, double thickness

Joints

Mechanical Joint, AWWA C111

Push-on Joint, AWWA C111

Fittings:

Ductile Iron and Cast Iron, AWWA C110, 250 psi minimum

Ductile Iron, AWWA C153, 350 psi minimum

Cement lining, AWWA C104, double thickness

Joints, Mechanical Joint, AWWA C111

Valves:

AWWA C500 and C509, NRS, open left (counter clockwise)

Catalog data and assembly drawings shall be provided.

O-ring stem seal

Interior epoxy coating, AWWA C550

Joints, Mechanical Joint, AWWA C111

Hydrants:

AWWA C502, Kennedy Guardian K81D, 5-1/4 main valve

Hose Nozzles:

Two, 2-1/2” nozzles, National Standard Thread

One, 4-1/2” nozzle, National Standard Thread

Bury length: 5’-0” minimum

Inlet Connection: 6” Mechanical Joint

Operating Nut: National Standard

Direction of Opening: left (counter-clockwise)

Corporations Stops:

1” CC x CTS Mueller: 25008N or approved equivalent.

Curb Stops:

1” CTS x CTS, without drain Mueller: B-25209N or approved equivalent.

Service Tubing:

1” Type K Soft Copper

Curb Boxes and Gate Valve Boxes:

Curb Boxes

Service boxes shall be Erie style with arch pattern, one-inch in diameter, constructed from SC #40 Black Steel, adjustable in length from 6 feet to 7 feet, and have 5/8-diameter rod, minimum 36-inches in length. Rod length shall be no greater than 24” less than the extended service box length. One-inch caps shall be extra heavy with brass pentagon plug and coarse “rope” thread to fit a one-inch Erie style box. All caps shall have the word “WATER” clearly cast in top and be constructed of a magnetic material. Manufactured in North America.

Gate Valve Boxes

Shall be cast iron, two piece, sliding type with a non-flange top section, no inside stops, and an outside shaft diameter of 6 inches. Bottom section shall be belled base. Length of top section shall be minimum of 24 inches. Middle and bottom section length as needed. Boxes shall have the word “WATER” clearly cast into the cover. Manufactured in North America.

Concrete:

Cement concrete for thrust blocks and encasements shall conform to Section 600 “Portland Cement Concrete” of the Rhode Island Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction.

Cement concrete shall have a minimum compressive strength of 3,000 psi after 28 days.

Tapping Sleeves and Valves

Tapping sleeves shall be of the mechanical joint end seal type designed for a working water pressure of 200 pounds per square inch and shall be of the same manufacturer as the tapping valve with which they are used. Outlet sealed tapping sleeves will not be acceptable.

Tapping sleeve outlet flange shall have dimensions and drilling that comply with ANSI.B16.1, class 125.

Tapping valves shall be furnished with flanged ends on the upstream side, which shall register with the flange of the tapping sleeve. Downstream ends shall be furnished with a mechanical joint bell end for connection to the branch water main, and a special flange to permit drilling machine and adapter to be attached.

Tapping sleeves shall be Mueller mechanical joint suitable for the type and size of pipe to be tapped.

Tapping valves shall be Mueller double disc, NRS.

DESIGN STANDARDS

General

Water main extensions shall be designed in accordance with the minimum standards herein and as directed by the NTFD.

Water main extensions shall also be designed in accordance with the “Recommended Standards for Water Works (Ten State Standards)”, by Great Lakes Upper Mississippi River Board of State Public Health & Environmental Managers.

Water Main Location

The water mains shall be installed in the unpaved town or state right-of-way on the north and east sides of the road unless otherwise approved by the District.

Bedding Conditions

Water mains, appurtenances and water services shall be bedded in a 12-inch envelope of clean compacted sand. The compacted sand bedding shall extend 12-inches below and 12-inches above the pipe and a minimum of 12-inches on each side.

Pipeline Cover

Water mains, valves and hydrant branches shall have a minimum earth cover of 4’-6” from finished grade.

Water services from the main to the curb stop shall have a minimum earth cover of 4’-0” from finished grade.

Gate Valve Locations

Gate valves shall be installed on each water main branch line and shall be approximately located at the right-of-way line that is perpendicular to the branch, or as directed by the District.

Gate valves shall be installed on each run of pipe at a maximum spacing of 800 feet.

Hydrant Locations

Hydrants shall be installed in accordance with the District’s details and shall be located on the same side of the street as the water main. The District’s standard hydrant detail shall be incorporated onto the Applicant’s construction drawings.

Hydrants shall be spaced in residential areas so that a 500’ radius from each hydrant completely covers all property in the proposed subdivision, as well as adjacent subdivisions and lots.

Hydrants shall be spaced in commercial areas so that a 250’radius from each hydrant completely covers all property in the proposed commercial area, as well as adjacent commercial areas.

The number and spacing of hydrants shall be as endorsed by the Tiverton Fire Department.

In any event the exact number and location of hydrants shall be as determined by the NTFD.

A gate valve shall be provided for each hydrant.

Service Lines and Curb Stops

Curb stops shall be located at the property line of the property to be served. Unless otherwise approved by the District, the curb stop shall be located at the center of the property. The property line shall be established from a survey by a professional land surveyor registered in the State of Rhode Island.

Unless otherwise approved by the District, the service line from the main to the curb stop shall be designed to run generally perpendicular to the water main.

Unless otherwise approved by the District, service lines and curb stops shall be 1” in diameter.

Pipeline Termination

Pipelines shall be looped-in to the new or existing water system to eliminate dead-end pipelines.

Approved dead-end pipelines shall be constructed to the end(s) of the Applicant’s property lines in accordance with the Policy for Water Main Extensions.

Approved dead-end pipelines shall have a fire hydrant located at the dead-end. Any such hydrant shall be in addition to hydrants required to meet the minimum hydrant coverage requirements specified herein.

Where approved by the District, blow-offs may be installed at dead-ends in place of fire hydrants. Blow-offs shall be installed in accordance with the District’s standard blow-off detail.

Thrust Blocks

Thrust blocks shall be provided in accordance with the District’s standard details. Said details shall be incorporated onto the Applicants construction drawings.

Clearances from Individual Sewerage Disposal Systems (ISDS) and Sewers.

ISDS

ISDS facilities shall be installed as far away as possible from water supply lines.

The RI Department of Environmental Management’s rules and regulations, section SD3.05, pertaining to minimum horizontal distances between the parts of an individual sewerage disposal system and water supply lines must be satisfied. SD3.05 (Dec. 1, 1980) requires the following minimum clearances from water mains and water services:

Distribution box, dosing tank, septic tank – 10 feet

Disposal trench, bed, or chambers – 25 feet

Seepage Pit – 25 feet

Building Sewer – 10 feet

Privy – 25 feet

Noncompliance with SD3.05 shall require a variance from The Department of Environmental Management and the District.

Sewers

Water mains shall be located a minimum of 10 feet horizontally from any existing or proposed sanitary sewer and 5 feet horizontally from any existing or proposed storm sewer. The distance shall be measured from edge of pipe to edge of pipe.

Where sewer lines and water supply lines must cross, sewer lines shall be located below water supply lines whenever possible as determined by the District.

Where sewer lines and water supply lines must cross, the sewer lines shall be constructed of durable, corrosion-resistant material with watertight joints. If the sewer is existing and does not comply with this requirement, then it shall be re-laid to meet compliance.

Where water supply lines are being installed at sewer crossings, one full length of water pipe shall be located so both water pipe joints will be as far from the sewer as possible. Where sewers are being installed at water supply line crossings, one full length of sewer pipe shall be located so both sewer pipe joints will be as far from the water supply line as possible.

At crossings between water supply lines and sewers, a minimum vertical distance of 18 inches shall be provided between sewers and water supply lines. This shall be the case where the water supply line is either above or below the sewer. Said vertical distance shall be measured from edge of pipe to edge of pipe, or from the edge of any sleeve or concrete encasement and edge of pipe, as appropriate.

At crossings between water supply lines and sanitary sewers, the sewer shall be sleeved and encased in concrete as directed by the District for a distance of at least 25 feet each side of the crossing measured from the edge of the water main. The sleeve shall be schedule 40 PVC pressure pipe with watertight joints.

At crossings between water supply lines and storm sewers where the storm sewer is located over the water supply line, the sewer shall be encased in concrete as directed by the District for a distance of 10 feet each side of the crossing measured from the edge of the water main.

Clearances from Other Utilities

Water mains and water services shall have a minimum horizontal clearance of 3’-0” measured edge to edge from other utilities, conduits or appurtenances.

Water mains and water services shall have a minimum vertical clearance of 18-inches measured edge to edge when crossing over or under other utilities, conduits or appurtenances.

CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS

General

In addition to the specifications stated and referenced herein, the Applicant shall install water works materials in accordance with the printed recommendations of the material manufacturer, and as directed by the District.

The Applicant’s attention is directed to the Design Standards herein concerning water main and water service clearance from ISDS, sewers and other utilities.

The Applicant shall obtain all road opening permits from the Town of Tiverton and State of Rhode Island, as required. The cutting of roads, backfilling of trenches and roadway repair shall be performed in accordance with the respective specifications of the Town of Tiverton and State of Rhode Island and the stated permit conditions.

No taps or branch connections shall be made when the outside temperature is below 32°F (0°C). The District reserves the right to determine if a tap or branch connection will be performed. The contractor shall be allowed to heat the trench to provide an adequate temperature. If the trench is heated, the contractor shall be responsible for maintaining a safe work environment in the confined space.

The Applicant shall refer to the Design Standards herein for additional information on water main extension requirements.

Earthwork

Dewatering Excavations

All construction work shall be performed in dry trench conditions. The Applicant shall be responsible for performing all required dewatering in a manner to prevent injury to persons or public health or damage to existing facilities or to the work in progress.

Unsuitable Materials

In addition to AWWA C600, unsuitable materials are also defined as organic material, peat, organic silt, or combinations thereof, all having unsuitable in-situ bearing properties; and all material of whatever description which are too loose or saturated for use as backfill to provide satisfactory bearing. If unsuitable material is encountered at the depths for bottom limit of excavation, the Applicant shall immediately notify the District and shall not proceed further until instructions are given.

The Applicant shall satisfactorily excavate and remove all unsuitable material to lines, grades and limits as directed by the District. All below grade excavations shall be refilled with compacted bank-run gravel refill.

Material which becomes unsuitable as a result of the Applicant’s lack of dewatering or improper dewatering shall be removed by the Applicant and replaced with bank run gravel or gravel bedding as directed by the District.

Excavation

All excavation, sheeting, shoring and dewatering operations shall be accomplished in a manner than prevents the undermining or disturbing of existing waterlines, utilities and structures or of any completed construction.

Immediately after excavation to the required limits, the Applicant shall compact the exposed bottom surface of the trench with two passes of an approved plate-type vibratory compactor. If the in-situ material is fine-grained and saturated or is judged by the District to have adequate in-place density, this compaction requirement may be waived by the District.

Excavation operations adjacent to and below existing waterlines shall be done manually and in a manner to prevent disturbance of or damage to the existing waterlines.

The Applicant shall keep all excavated and construction material a safe distance back from the edge of excavations to avoid overloading the sides of excavations and to prevent slides or cave-ins.

Grading shall be performed as necessary and where practicable to prevent surface water from flowing into excavations. Any water accumulating therein shall be removed by pumping or other approved method. The pipelines shall not, at any time, be used for trench drainage.

The maximum trench width permitted at the top of the pipe shall be the suggested trench widths shown in Table 2 of AWWA C600.

Backfilling

Unless otherwise directed by the District, excavations shall not be backfilled until the work as installed conforms to all requirements specified herein and has been inspected by the District and approved for backfilling.

Placement of sand bedding shall be done in accordance with the following procedure:

The bottoms of excavations shall be thoroughly compacted and in approved condition prior to placing sand bedding. A 12-inch depth of sand bedding shall be placed below the pipe in layers not exceeding 6 inches in loose depth and each layer shall be compacted by at least two passes of an approved plate-type vibratory compactor. The moisture content of the gravel bedding shall be adjusted, by moistening or drying, so that proper compaction will be obtained.

All other backfill placed in trenches below a level 12 inches above the top of pipe shall consist of sand bedding, placed in layers not exceeding 6 inches in loose depths and each layer shall be compacted by at least two passes of an approved plate-type vibration compactor. The sand bedding shall be deposited uniformly on both sides of the pipe and shall be thoroughly compacted by tamping under and on each side of the pipe with an approved hand tamping tool to provide uniform support around the pipe which is free from voids.

The Applicant shall exercise care in all operations to prevent disturbing joints and displacement of or damage to the pipes already installed. The Applicant shall remedy any poor alignment, displaced or damaged pipe, disturbed joints or any other defects as directed by the District.

Compaction

Fills placed under, around and over waterlines shall be compacted to not less than 90 percent of the ASTM maximum dry density.

All percentages of compaction specified herein shall be related to the maximum dry density as established by Method D ASTM Designation D1557-70 and verified in the field at the District’s discretion by ASTM Designation D1556-68, D2167-66 or an approved nuclear density testing device.

Field density tests to determine the actual in-place densities being attained will be made at the Applicant’s expense by a testing laboratory approved by the District and in sufficient quantity to determine that the required compaction is being attained. The quantity of testing will be as determined by the District.

Vibratory compaction equipment shall be furnished with a vibrating surface at least 24 inches in width, and be capable of operating at a minimum of 2,000 blows per minute.

Backhoe buckets, jack hammers, rubber-tired vehicles and similar equipment not specifically designed and manufactured for the compaction of granular materials will not be approved for use.

It is the intent of these compaction requirements that the minimum in-place dry density of the compacted materials resulting from the specified minimum number of passes of the compaction equipment will be equal to or greater than the minimum percentages specified herein. Additional passes of the specified equipment shall be required if the minimum in-place dry densities as specified are not obtained with the minimum passes indicated.

Protection of Existing Utilities and Structures

Excavation, backfill and compaction operations shall be done in such a manner as to prevent cave-ins of excavations or the undermining, damage or disturbing of existing utilities or of new work. Backfill shall be placed and compacted so as to prevent future settlement or damage to existing utilities and new work.

Test Pits

Test pits shall be dug by the Applicant at the locations selected and to the dimensions directed by the District to establish locations of existing pipelines or any other buried item for which the exact location is to be determined.

Excavation Support Systems

The minimum requirements for earth support systems for excavations shall be as required by current US Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) regulations, all Federal, State and Local regulations, requirements of individual utility companies having utilities in or adjacent to the areas where the work is being performed and the requirements stated herein.

The Applicant shall be responsible for providing a Competent Person in accordance with 107 “Contract Worker Hours and Safety Standards Act”, OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926.

Water Mains

Installation

Water mains shall be installed in strict accordance with the following standards as specified herein, and as directed.

AWWA C600, “Installation of Ductile Iron Water Mains and Their Appurtenances”

“A Guide for the Installation of Ductile Iron Pipe”’ by Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association

“Recommended Standards for Water Works (Ten State Standards)”, by Great Lakes Upper Mississippi River Board of State Public Health & Environmental Managers

Water mains, valves and hydrant branches shall have a minimum earth cover of 4’-6” and a maximum earth cover of 6’ from finished grade.

Water services from the main to the curb stop shall have a minimum earth cover of 4’-0” and a maximum earth cover of 6’ from finished grade.

Provision shall be made to keep any stones, mud, or debris from entering the gate boxes during and after backfilling. Any blocking of the box shall be remedied prior to preliminary and final acceptances.

Whenever pipeline installation is stopped, the Applicant shall seal the open end of the pipe with a watertight plug to prevent trench water, debris, vermin or other foreign material from entering the pipe.

Pipeline installation shall be performed in dry trench conditions. If water is present in the trench after installation, then the plug shall be left in place until the trench has been pumped dry. No pipe shall be installed when, in the opinion of the District, trench or weather conditions are unsuitable.

The Applicant shall not operate any of the District’s valves, hydrants, blow-offs and other appurtenances without the expressed written permission of the District.

When pipe cutting is necessary, pipe shall be cut without damage to the pipe or cement lining leaving a smooth end at right angles to the axis of the pipe. Minor repairs to the cement lining shall be permitted at the discretion of the District. The District reserves the right to reject cut pipe where the cement lining has been damaged beyond repair in the judgment of the District. All pipe cutting shall be done with approved mechanical cutters. Flame cutting using an oxyacetylene torch shall not be used.

Unless specifically authorized otherwise by the District in writing, the pipeline shall be installed so that a positive or negative grade is maintained between high and low points to avoid air pockets. If permanent air vents are not provided, the Applicant shall record the location of all high points so they may be readily located.

Where mechanical couplings are required the ends of the pipes shall be prepared and the couplings installed in strict accordance with the coupling manufacturer’s printed recommendations and as directed by the District. The use and locations of mechanical couplings shall be approved by the District.

The Applicant shall exercise care in all operations to prevent disturbing joints and displacement of or damage to the pipes already installed. The Applicant shall remedy any poor alignment, displaced or damaged pipe, disturbed joints or any other defects as directed by the District.

Temporary and permanent air vents shall be installed on the highpoints of waterlines as directed by the District and in accordance with the District’s standard details.

Connection to Existing Water Mains

Connections to existing water mains shall be made in strict accordance with the following standards, as further specified herein, and as directed.

AWWA C600, “Installation of Ductile-Iron Water Mains and Their Appurtenances”

AWWA C603, “Installation of Asbestos-Cement Pressure Pipe”

AWWA C900, “Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Pressure Pipe, 4 In. through 12 In. for Water Distribution”

AWWA Manual No. M23, “PVC Pipe – Design and Installation”

AWWA C651, “Disinfecting Water Mains, Section 9: Disinfection Procedures When Cutting Into or Repairing Existing Mains” and Section 10: “Special Procedure for Caulked Tapping Sleeves”

Mechanical Couplings and Transition couplings for connection to the existing water system shall be as approved by the District and shall be installed in strict conformance with the printed recommendations of the respective manufacturer.

Wet Tap Connections

The Applicant proposed for installing tapping sleeves and valves and for making the wet taps under full main pressure shall be approved by the District.

Existing water mains where wet tap connections are made shall be kept in service at all times.

Machine sleeves shall be installed in such a manner as to bring the tapping connections exactly at right angles to the centerline of the pipe to be tapped.

The wet tap connections shall be made in accordance with additional requirements of the manufacturer of the tapping sleeves and valves.

The Applicant shall take all precautions necessary to prevent contamination of the existing potable water system when making the wet tap. Before the tapping sleeve is installed, the exterior of the main to be tapped shall be thoroughly cleaned and the interior surface of the sleeve shall be lightly dusted with calcium hypochlorite powder.

The tapping sleeve, valve, adapter and tapping machine assembly shall be pressure tested in-place before making the tap.

Excavation of Existing Facilities

When connections are to be made to existing pipelines or appurtenances, the actual location and elevation of which cannot be determined without excavation, the Applicant shall excavate for and expose the existing facilities before laying any pipe or conduit. The District will inspect the existing facilities and will make any necessary adjustments in the line or grade of the proposed pipeline to accomplish the connection.

As-Built Dimensions – Prior to backfilling the Contractor shall record “as-built” locations and depths of all pipe, fittings, valves, hydrants, corporation stops, curb stops and ledge; connections to existing water mains; and pipe size. Locations of all temporary corporations used for blow-offs, air release and chlorination shall also be recorded. All items shall be located with at least two measurements made too permanent above ground structures, not including ties to the new or existing water system. If, in the opinion of the District, adequate above ground structures are not available for taking ties; the as-built dimensions shall be accurately referenced to centerline of road survey. The centerline of road survey as-builts shall be referenced to above ground structures prior to finalizing as-built drawings.

Reaction Anchorage and Blocking:

The Applicant shall provide thrust blocks, anchors, joint harness or other approved means for preventing pipe movement at all push-on or mechanical joint plugs, tees, crosses, bends of 11-1/4 degrees or more, reducers and valves.

Thrust blocks shall be constructed in accordance with the details shown on the drawings and shall be sized to accommodate the specified test pressure and pipe size. Thrust blocks shall extend from the fitting to solid undisturbed earth and shall be constructed so the joints are accessible for repair. If, in the opinion of the District, adequate support against undisturbed earth cannot be obtained, the Applicant shall provide joint harnesses in addition to thrust blocks as directed.

Installation of concrete for thrust blocks and encasements shall be in accordance with Section 600 “Portland Cement Concrete” of the State of Rhode Island Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction.

All concrete used for thrust blocks and encasements shall remain uncovered for at least sixteen hours after installation unless otherwise approved by the District. When early backfilling is permitted additional curing measures shall be performed by the Applicant as directed by the District.

Protection of Metal Surfaces

The Applicant shall protect all ferrous metal rods, clamps, bolts, and other accessories subject to submergence or contact with earth or fill material with two coats of coal tar paint. The Applicant shall apply the first coat to clean, dry metal surfaces and allow it to dry before applying the second coat.

Water Services

Installation

Water service piping connections shall be made no closer than the following minimum center to center distance from another connection.

Corporation – 18”

Tapping Sleeve and Valve – 4’

Taps or branches shall be made at least 24” away from main bell joints, measured from mid-point of the depth of the bell.

Copper tubing shall be “soft annealed” and shall conform to the standards for “Type K,” prescribed in ANSI/AWWA C800-89 Section A.2 for “Copper Water Tubing” and to ASTM, designation B42 and B88-99, and current revisions thereof. It shall be free from grooving cracks, indentations, flaws or other defects. At intervals of not greater than one and one-half feet, the tubing shall bear clear, permanent markings indicating the type and manufacturer.

Services fittings shall be installed in accordance with the following standards AWWA C800, “Underground Service Line Valves and Fittings”

Water services from the main to the curb stop shall have a minimum of 4’-0” of earth cover from finish grade and a maximum of 6’-0”.

Saddles for corporation stops shall be provided only where directed by the District, direct taps for all other corporation stops.

A gooseneck shall be provided on each service at the corporation.

A water service stub and curb stop shall be provided for each subdivided lot that the new watermain extension goes by. Unless otherwise approved by the District, curb stops shall be located and sized as follows:

Curb stops shall be located at the property line of the property to be served. The curb stop shall be located at the center of the property. The property line shall be established from a survey by a professional land surveyor registered in the State of Rhode Island.

The service line from the main to the curb stop shall be designed to run generally perpendicular to the water main.

Service lines and curb stops for residential installations shall be 1” in diameter.

Service Taps

The Applicant proposed for making wet taps for corporations shall be approved by the District.

Wet taps shall be made in accordance with the printed recommendations of the pipe manufacturer, corporation manufacturer and the tapping machine manufacturer and as directed by the District

Set service taps at right angles to proposed meter location and locate taps in upper pipe segment within 45° of pipe spring line.

Pressure and Leakage Test

The pressure and leakage test shall be performed by an independent certified testing agency approved by the District.

The pressure and leakage test shall be performed on the water mains and service lines connected thereto.

The entire pressure and leakage test shall be performed in the presence of the District’s inspector unless otherwise directed in writing.

When approved by the District, the pressure test may be performed against a new or existing closed valve(s) connection to the District’s water system. Should the valve(s) fail to seat tightly, thereby creating an invalid pressure test, then the Applicant shall disconnect the piping and repeat the pressure test using temporary plugs, caps and thrust blocking.

Results of the pressure and leakage tests shall be transmitted by the testing company directly to the District for review and approval.

Disinfection

Water main extensions shall be disinfected in strict accordance with AWWA C651, “Disinfecting Water Mains”.

Chlorination of the water main shall be performed by an independent certified testing and chlorination agency approved by the District.

The entire chlorination procedure shall be performed in the presence of the District’s inspector unless otherwise directed in writing.

Chlorination shall be performed using the continuous-feed method with liquid chlorine or sodium hypochlorite.

The Applicant shall install temporary blow-offs at the beginning and end of each water main extension and branch main, as directed by the District, for chlorination and testing purposes.

Bacteriological samples shall be obtained from the end of the water main extension and at the end of each branch main. In any event, the number and location of samples shall be as directed by the District.

A standard plate count shall be required on all samples. In addition to the absence of coliform organisms, the samples shall demonstrate that the water quality in the new mains is consistent with the quality of the water in the District’s distribution system.

The District will select the testing laboratory to perform the bacteriological tests. The samples shall be obtained and transported to the testing laboratory by the District. The cost of the testing and transporting samples shall be borne by the Applicant.

Results of bacteriological tests shall be transmitted by the testing laboratory directly to the District for review and approval.

HEALTH AND SAFETY STANDARDS

Contractor shall comply with the following minimum requirements and is solely responsible to determine, obtain, review and interpret the full text of applicable Laws and Regulations:  

Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter XVII-Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA),

Department of Labor, Title 29, Part 1926, Safety and Health Regulations for Construction

Hazard Communication Standard 1910.1200 regulated by OSHA, including providing and maintaining Safety Data Sheets, labeling of hazardous substances, and providing required protective equipment and training and instruction to personnel on the site including Owner and Engineer’s personnel.

ANSI/ASSE A10 series of safety construction standards including the “Manual of Accident Prevention In Construction” published by The Associated General Contractors of America

Protection of personnel and equipment under electric lines:  comply with the AASHTO Guide on Occupational Safety on Highway Construction Projects, Subpart N, 1926.550, relating to construction equipment clearances at overhead electric lines especially during operations using large vehicles.

Pursuant to RIGL Chapter 37-23, Safety Awareness Program, no person, firm, entity, or corporation shall enter into, engage in, solicit, advertise, bid for, or work on a municipal and/or state construction project with a total project cost of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) or more unless that person, firm, entity or corporation has an OSHA 10-hour construction safety program for their on-site employees.  All employees to be employed at the work site shall have successfully completed a 10-hour construction safety program using a United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) curriculum at the time the employee begins work, and Contractor shall furnish documentation of successful completion of said course with the first certified payroll report for each employee. Every employee shall have a card issued by OSHA certifying their successful completion of the OSHA 10-hour training program on their person at all times while work is actually being performed.  Failure to comply shall subject the employee to immediate removal and to penalties prescribed by the Rhode Island Director of the Department of Labor and Training.

RIGL Chapter 5-47, Wrecking Contractors, pertaining to demolition

RIGL Title 23, Health and Safety, including, but not limited to:

Chapter 23-19.1 Hazardous Waste Management

Chapter 23-24.5, Asbestos Abatement

Chapter 23-24.7, Occupational Health – Lead Protection

Chapter 23-28.28, Explosives

Chapter 46-12.1, Underground Storage Tanks

RIGL Chapter 28-20, Division of Occupational Safety

RIGL Chapter 39-1.2, Excavation Near Underground Utility Facilities

AS-BUILT DRAWINGS

Accurate As-Built plans shall be professionally drafted at a scale of 1” = 40’.

As-Built plans shall be stamped by a professional land surveyor or engineer registered in the State of Rhode Island. The words “AS-BUILT DRAWINGS” shall be clearly marked on the original Mylar in ½” block letters.

Plans shall be drafted on Mylar sheets measuring 22” x 34”. The Mylar sheets, along with one full size print of each drawing, shall be provided to the District for its files.

As-Built drawings shall include depth and location of all pipe, fittings, valves, hydrants, corporation stops, curb stops and ledge; connections to existing pipes; pipe size; date of installation; applicant’s name, installation contractor; north arrow, property lines, and all other information necessary to provide a complete description of as-built conditions as directed by the District.

As-Built dimensions tied to three above ground permanent structures shall be provided.

As-Built depths shall be referenced to finished grade.

As-Built dimensions for curb stops shall be tied to existing houses.