Macomb County Interceptor Inspection
In early 2023, the Macomb County Public Works Office, acting on behalf of the Macomb Interceptor Drainage District and the Eight & One-Half Mile Relief Drain Drainage District, issued a bid for inspecting their respective systems. This project presented unique challenges, but Taplin approached it with confidence in operational ingenuity and determination to overcome any obstacles.
Eight & One-Half Mile Relief Drain Drainage District
The task at the Eight & One-Half Mile Relief Drain Drainage District involved inspecting a total of 48,557.5 linear feet of pipes, ranging widely in size from 24 inches to an imposing 12 feet in diameter. Safety was paramount, particularly concerning personnel performing entries for equipment setup and transport. The team employed air movers, live air monitoring systems, and specialized air apparatus to safeguard crew working underground. These precautions ensured that the working environment remained safe and compliant with stringent safety standards throughout the inspection process.
One of the most significant challenges encountered during this project was managing haze and particulate matter that often clouded the quality of video inspections in the larger tunnels. Due to the infrequent significant flows in these tunnels, mainly occurring during rainy periods, the air within the tunnels remained stagnant, exacerbating the visual obstruction caused by haze and particulates. To effectively address this challenge, Taplin devised a strategic solution.
By positioning air movers at both upstream and downstream manholes, the crew created a controlled airflow system. This method generated positive and negative pressures, effectively clearing the haze and particulates and significantly improving the quality of the video inspections. This innovative approach not only ensured compliance with inspection requirements but also enhanced the overall efficiency and accuracy of operations.
Macomb Interceptor Drainage District
Meanwhile, in the Macomb Interceptor Drainage District, the scope encompassed inspecting 80,371 linear feet of pipelines. These pipes varied in length from 36 feet to a half-mile, with the longest single segment measuring an impressive 2,143.5 feet. The challenge was managing the flow velocities within these pipes, which posed significant obstacles to inspection efforts. To effectively navigate these challenges, Taplin developed and implemented a specialized continuous tag lining system. This innovative approach allowed the crew to maintain an average daily inspection pace of approximately 2,100 feet. By carefully controlling the speed of inspection, the crew ensured compliance with NAASCO’s stringent standard of maintaining a consistent pace of 30 feet per minute. This system not only optimized efficiency but also enhanced the precision and reliability of inspection outcomes, thereby meeting and exceeding client expectations.
Accessing these pipelines presented another layer of complexity, given the average frame clear openings of approximately 24 inches at access points. This necessitated meticulous planning and coordination to ensure safe and effective equipment deployment and operation within the confined spaces of the pipelines. In some instances, equipment assembly had to be performed inside the pipes themselves, often under challenging conditions. This required team members to utilize harnesses, man-winches, and Personal Rescue Lifts (PRLs) to ensure their safety and facilitate efficient equipment deployment.
Operational challenges extended beyond technical aspects, encompassing logistical complexities associated with working beneath busy thoroughfares like Garfield Road and 15 Mile Road. The need to perform inspections required careful traffic management, including temporary lane closures during nighttime hours on roads with multiple lanes. This strategic approach ensured both the safety of team members and the uninterrupted flow of traffic, demonstrating a commitment to minimizing disruption to the community while executing essential infrastructure maintenance activities.
Moreover, the project overlapped with ongoing rehabilitation, operation, and maintenance contracts within the same vicinity. Coordinating crew activities alongside those of other contractors posed additional logistical challenges. To accommodate the county’s operational needs and ensure the efficient completion of the contract, the team adapted their working hours. This flexibility entailed working extended night shifts, totaling up to 15 hours per shift, to align with the schedules of other contractors and mitigate potential disruptions to pump stations and flow operations.
A critical component of Taplin’s responsibilities involved inspecting and reinstalling gaskets and bolts on a 48-inch force main located off the Clinton Dale Pump Station. This task required sourcing high quality materials from local Michigan manufacturers. The Taplin team devoted significant effort to reviewing as-built plans and collaborating closely with engineering teams to ensure the procurement of gaskets and bolts that met and exceeded industry standards for durability and performance. Prior to installation, thorough cleaning of the access point structures was necessary to remove accumulated sediment from historical leaks and runoff. This proved crucial in ensuring the successful installation and reliable operation of the gaskets and bolts, minimizing the risk of future failures.
Following the completion of the work, Taplin’s comprehensive approach and innovative solutions garnered positive feedback and recognition from Macomb County officials. Their request for specifications regarding our gaskets and bolts served as validation of their satisfaction with our performance and the quality of our materials and workmanship. This acknowledgment underscored Taplin Group’s commitment to excellence and our ability to deliver superior results while overcoming complex challenges with professionalism and efficiency.
In summary, the Macomb County project exemplified Taplin Group’s dedication to innovation, safety, and meticulous planning in tackling multifaceted infrastructure challenges. By leveraging advanced technologies, strategic methodologies, and a proactive approach to problem-solving, we successfully navigated diverse operational environments and delivered exceptional outcomes that met and exceeded client expectations.