WATER & SEWER MAIN EXTENSION GENERAL INFORMATION
This document was prepared to provide engineers, contractors and developers with the latest approved design and construction methods for water and sewer infrastructure installations and repairs within the boundaries of the Big Sky County Water and Sewer District #363 (BSWSD).
Why are there BSWSD special provisions? With its colder climate and steeper terrain there are many unique challenges in Big Sky to successfully install water and sewer infrastructure that differ from other areas of the state. The BSWSD SPECIAL PROVISIONS and STANDARD DRAWINGS detail those special requirements not covered and/or different than what is in Montana Public Works Standard Specifications Sixth Edition, April 2010. This document supersedes related MPWSS installation requirements and/or requirements from other areas of the State. Although this document is primarily designed for major infrastructure work, many sections are applicable to smaller projects such as single service line installations. For more information on how this document applies to your project, contact the BSWSD office at 561 Little Coyote Rd. Big Sky MT. 59716 or call (406)-995-2660.
WHERE THIS DOCUMENT APPLIES
What’s known as the Big Sky “area” is not an incorporated city or town such as Bozeman with a single governing body under one roof that manages all services including public works. Which areas of Big Sky these special provisions do and don’t apply can be confusing. The following is a brief explanation of the different jurisdictions within Big Sky to help make this more clear.
The unincorporated Big Sky area consists of separate governing “Districts” ‘ (example BSWSD and Big Sky Fire District, etc.) that have different boundaries which overlap. The BSWSD boundary can be found on the BSWSD website at www.bigskywatersewer.com. Within the Big Sky area are also several major privately owned and independent “developments”, such as Yellowstone Club, Spanish Peaks and Moonlight. In most cases these private developments are outside the BSWSD’s service boundary. With the exception of Spanish Peaks, these developments independently manage and control their own water and sewer operations.
Spanish Peaks does control and operate their own drinking water system but they are partnered with the BSWSD for their Sewer System. What this means for any new development plan within Spanish Peaks is that the sewer design, construction and approval portion falls under the jurisdiction of the BSWSD, however the water main design portion will fall under the jurisdiction of the Spanish Peaks development company. One caveat to this last statement on the drinking water system is the acquiring and installation of water meters within Spanish Peaks. The BSWSD determines individual sewer rate charges to its customers based on the amount of water that they use. To stay consistent with this the BSWSD takes a cooperative roll with Spanish Peaks to assure compatible, readable water meters are properly installed. When applying for a sewer permit to connect a residence or commercial unit within Spanish Peaks to the BSWSD sewer system there is also a water meter application process included that addresses the issue. This includes acquisition and proper installation requirements of the water meters and also the meter reading system. More information is available at the BSWSD office.
SPECIAL PROVISIONS EXPLAINED
All water and sewer utility projects within BSWSD shall be designed, performed and constructed in accordance with applicable sections of the Montana Public Works Standard Specifications, Sixth Edition, April 2010 (MPWSS).
Where a corresponding BSWSD modification to MPWSS does not exist for a Section of MPWSS, the reader shall assume the work is to be completed in accordance with the appropriate MPWSS Section. When a corresponding BSWSD modification to the MPWSS does exist the requirements of that modification supersede the related MPWSS requirement. The same holds true for BSWSD Standard Drawings; however, there are some BSWSD Standard Drawings which do not replace or supersede the MPWSS Standard Drawing, but are additional drawings created specifically for the BSWSD.
Each Section of the MPWSS that has been modified is listed in the Table of Contents of the “BSWSD Modifications to Montana Public Works Standard Specifications and Drawings.”
Beware the entire Section from the MPWSS has not been rewritten for these modifications. Instead, modifications are indicated for a specific subsection, paragraph, sentence or drawing.
BSWSD also requires that all persons comply with the rules and regulations of the BSWSD’s Sewer and Water Use Ordinances 97-1001 and 99-1002. This ordinance can also be found on the BSWSD website at www.bigskywatersewer.com.
The BSWSD is not insensitive to the cost and timing challenges of new developments however BSWSDs primary responsibility is to maintain and protect the long term integrity of the existing water and sewer system for the rate payers. The BSWSD personnel reserves the right to final decision pertaining to any aspect of design, new construction, repair or alteration to the water and sewer system in the BSWSD. To avoid costly and frustrating delays during design and construction of water and sewer infrastructure within the BSWSD, take the time to become familiar with this document.
PLAN APPROVAL AND NOTICE TO PROCEED
It is important to understand that although the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) plan review and approval is required on all public water and sewer main extensions inside the BSWSD, Montana DEQ approval alone does not constitute a notice or permission to proceed. All final revised engineered plans must be submitted for review and approval to the BSWSD in addition to the Montana DEQ prior to any construction. To avoid delays in construction it is strongly advised that the engineered plans and shop submittals be first submitted to the BSWSD for review and approval prior to being submitted to Montana DEQ.
PRE-CONSTRUCTION CONFERENCE REQUIRED
Before the start of construction of any main extensions or alterations to the BSWSD water and sewer system a pre-construction conference attended by the Contractor, the Project Engineer, the approved resident full-time Inspecting Engineer and BSWSD representative(s) must be held at the BSWSD office at 561 Little Coyote Road, Big Sky Montana. The Contractor shall arrange to have all supervisory personnel and a representative from each of the affected utility companies connected with the project to attend the meeting to discuss the project and issues anticipated. It is recommended that the developer/owner of the project also attend.
If applicable prior to the pre-construction meeting the Contractor shall also provide for the BSWSD’s approval a plan showing any flow by-pass plans to be used to continue sewer service during construction, or water main shut offs and/or temporary water service plan during construction. If construction has the potential to affect roads and traffic, a traffic control plan must also be submitted to the BSWSD before the pre-construction meeting. Any traffic control permits or permission required by any agency shall be the responsibility of the Contractor.
FULL TIME CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION REQUIRED
The Project Engineer will furnish a licensed, qualified full time inspecting engineer. This very important field inspector is required to be on site during all construction to witness and record any and all work that will eventually be accepted by the BSWSD. This will include, but is not limited to, all trench excavation, pipe installation, and testing that is required by these specifications and the MPW Standard Specifications. Digital video and/or photographs should be taken of all significant connections. Sub-meter accurate gps coordinates gathered of all assets installed including but not limited to all bends, tees, crosses, couplers, long sleeves, curb stops, fire hydrants, main line valves, sewer clean outs, manholes, sewer lift stations, grease traps, blow off hydrants, prv vaults and water or sewer fittings on both service lines and main lines converted to Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates using WGS 84 datum. Any deviations from approved plans during construction need to be measured and recorded to assure an accurate set of as-constructed drawings at the end of the project. The Project Engineer shall provide the BSWSD with a resume of the Inspecting Engineers qualifications for the BSWSD’S approval at least five working days before the pre-construction meeting is held.
SHOP AND FABRICATION DRAWINGS
Prior to the pre-construction meeting, the Project Engineer shall prepare and submit to the BSWSD fabrication drawings, design mix information, material testing compliance data, and other pertinent data in accordance with the General Conditions. Following BSWSD review, they shall resubmit copies of any drawings which required revision or correction.
PROTECTION OF EXISTING WATER AND SEWER AND OTHER UTILITIES
The BSWSD shall be notified through the Underground Utility Locate Center (UULC) 1-800-424-5555) before any work at or near existing sewer and water lines commences. The Contractor is cautioned that all existing utilities may not be included in the UULC system. It shall be solely the responsibility of the Contractor to fully coordinate his work with all of the utility agencies and to keep them informed of the construction activities so that these vital installations are fully protected at all times
The Contractor shall take all necessary precautions to protect the BSWSD’s existing sewer and water mains if they are exposed by work. The Contractor shall be responsible for removing any debris or other material that may inadvertently enter the BSWSD’s sewer collection system through manholes or open mains by BSWSD’s approved method. In addition, the Contractor is prohibited from discharging or causing to be discharged any waste or substance to the public sewer system as specified in the BSWSD’s Sewer Use Ordinance. Flushing of water or sewer mains to the BSWSD’s sewer collection system is prohibited without prior written approval of the BSWSD.
EASEMENTS, RIGHTS-OF-WAY, ADJOINING PROPERTIES
The Contractor shall contain all construction operations within the platted utility easements and right-of-way. Any damage to adjoining properties shall be the sole responsibility of the Contractor.
DISPOSAL, EROSION, WATER POLLUTION AND SILTATION CONTROL
The Contractor is responsible for proper disposal of all waste soils and discarded materials unless otherwise directed. Where waste materials are disposed of on private property the owner’s written permission shall be obtained and provided to the BSWSD. Contractor shall comply with all local, state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to erosion control, wetlands and floodplains. The Contractor shall dispose of all refuse and discarded material in an approved location.
The Contractor shall exercise every reasonable precaution throughout the life of the project to prevent pollution or siltation of rivers, streams or impoundments. Pollutants such as chemicals, fuels, lubricants, bitumen’s, raw sewage, and other harmful wastes shall not be discharged into or alongside rivers, streams, impoundments or into natural or manmade channels leading thereto. In addition, the Contractor shall conduct and schedule his operations to avoid muddying or silting of rivers, streams or impoundments. The Contractor shall meet the requirements of the applicable regulations of the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Department of Environmental Quality, the Department of Natural Resources & Conservation and other State or Federal regulations relating to the prevention or abatement of water pollution and siltation.
The Contractor’s specific attention is directed to the Montana Water Pollution Control Act and the Montana Stream Preservation Act. The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining any required discharge permits associated with erosion control and groundwater dewatering operations. Contractor’s responsibility shall include all cleanup, restoration, etc. of any detention or discharge areas.
PROTECTION OF EXISTING PAVEMENT
All equipment shall be fitted with pads on the outriggers and other accessories as necessary to prevent damage to existing pavement during the project. Any damages to pavement shall be corrected by the Contractor, at their expense, in a manner directed by the Project Engineer and BSWSD.
OPERATION OF EXISTING AND NEW VALVES
All existing BSWSD water main valves shall be operated by authorized personnel of the BSWSD only. If permitted by the BSWSD when new or existing valves are to be used to charge new water mains from the BSWSD water distribution system, they shall be operated by BSWSD personnel only.
SALVAGEABLE ITEMS
At the BSWSD discretion any items removed from the existing water and sewer system shall remain the property of the BSWSD and shall be delivered to a site specified by the BSWSD. Any items not accepted for salvage by the BSWSD shall be the responsibility of the Contractor
to dispose at their expense at a site or landfill acceptable to the BSWSD and the Project Engineer.
PRELIMINARY AND FINAL WALK-THROUGH INSPECTION
After a water or sewer main extension has been completely installed according to the approved plans and specifications, the Inspecting Engineer shall do a preliminary walk through him or herself to visually inspect that all exposed components such as, but not limited to, valves, valve-boxes, fire hydrants, hydrant bollards, curb stops, sewer manholes and clean outs are set to the proper final depth, still straight, working correctly and in like new condition. It is the responsibility of the Project Owner and the Contractor to protect and assure every component of the newly installed infrastructure has not, or does not get damaged or compromised in any way throughout the entire duration of the project up to the point of final project closeout and acceptance by the BSWSD.
If the Inspecting Engineer finds deficiencies a punch list will be prepared listing all deficiencies, damage or incomplete portions of the project and submitted to the contractor for remedy. A copy of the punch list shall also be sent to BSWSD at the same time.
When the contractor has completed this punch list to the Inspecting Engineers complete satisfaction then a “final walk-through” can be scheduled with the BSWSD personnel to verify the extension is completed properly. The BSWSD expects the final walk through with the inspecting Engineer and BSWSD personnel to be a one time formality. BSWSD will rely on the Project Engineer and the Inspecting Engineer to decide when the project is truly ready for the final walk through.
PROJECT CERTIFICATION AND TRANSFER AGREEMENT
Once the final walk through is completed to the BSWSD’s satisfaction the Project Engineer shall submit documents for final project certification to the BSWSD. The items listed here are typical of documents needed to complete a transfer agreement but may not be a complete list. The full list of necessary documents, local and state approvals, easements and warranty security will differ with each individual water or sewer extension. Contact the BSWSD manager for a complete list for your project. No water or sewer service can be initiated from a new water or sewer main extension until the transfer agreement has been fully executed.
- Signed letter certifying that the project inspector was on site full time and can verify the extension has been completed according to the approved plans and specifications unless otherwise noted.
- Copy of MDEQ approval of plans and specifications
- Copy of Fire Department approval of plans and specifications for water extensions.
- Copy of applicable permits and/or letters for stream crossings.
- Stamped and signed as-constructed/as-built drawings consisting of two sets of full size 36×24 and two sets of 11X 17 blue line prints, As-constructed drawings should be “clean” drawings, updated with any approved changes made during construction and reflect exactly what was constructed. Marked up construction drawings with changes or deleted items crossed out or hand written in, stamped As-built, will not be accepted.
- Copies of the as-constructed drawings in electronic format compatible with AutoCAD Civil 3D or other District approved engineering design project files. Also include a layered PDF file of the as-constructed drawings.
- Sewer video and video inspection reports.
Copy of all inspection field notes and construction inspection photographs and video.
- Copy of “Certificate of
- Substantial Completion”
- Summary spreadsheet listing final construction costs and schedule of values separated for sewer and water improvements.
- Legal Description of of subdivision or property served by extension(s)
- Exhibits on 8 1/2 X 11 or 11X 17 paper showing the sewer and/or water extensions being conveyed to the District. Separate for sewer and water respectively.
- Engineer’s letter certifying project construction in accordance with project plans and specifications.
- Warranty security as of 10% project cost as: 1 – Bond, 2 – Cash deposit, or 3 – Letter of credit.
- Executed Transfer Agreement for sewer and/or water extension
- Documentation that As-built drawings sent to MDEQ\
- Copies of applicable State & County building or land use permits.
- Pressure test results and lab test results for new water main extensions.
- Copy of sub-meter accurate gps coordinates of all assets installed including but not limited to all bends, tees, crosses, couplers, long sleeves, curb stops, fire hydrants, main line valves, sewer clean outs, manholes, sewer lift stations, grease traps, blow off hydrants, prv vaults and water or sewer fittings on both service lines and main lines converted to Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates using WGS 84 datum. Contact the BSWSD for current file format preference.
- All applicable operation and maintenance manuals, equipment warranties, equipment startup and training schedules.
- Easements if not covered by Plat.