Project: East Bay Municipal Water District Seismic Improvement

OVERVIEW

As prime consultant, Luster provides construction management support services for portions of the East Bay Municipal Utility District’s (EBMUD’s) $189 million seismic improvement program. The program is designed to strengthen the East Bay’s water system against major earthquakes that could occur on the Hayward, Calaveras, and Concord faults and includes an upgrade to the water treatment plants.

Water treatment plants projects included improvement of the chlorination system; strengthening existing buildings, water treatment basins, water channels, and filters; and bracing critical piping and equipment necessary for water treatment and plant safety. The seismic upgrades will minimize damage and improve the ability to supply treated water following an earthquake.

Reservoirs (both steel and concrete) are being upgraded to provide reliable sources of water for fire fighting and drinking, eliminating life-safety hazards, and limiting collateral damage following an earthquake. Seismic upgrades to pumping plants ensure they will remain functional and able to supply all pressure zones following an earthquake. Pipelines were strengthened to allow them to move water across the fault after an earthquake. Fault crossings were upgraded by installing various valves and joints to make the system more flexible.

In addition, 12 buildings were upgraded to remove non-structural hazards, secure important equipment needed for continuing operations, secure storage shelves, and retrofit an emergency operation center.

The project locations are within EBMUD’s District in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.