city of richmond department of public utilities · december of each year. work hours for weekend...

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

FOR

Water Leak Repairs and Meter Installations

City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities

TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION 1 - GENERAL 1.1 Scope of Work 1.2 Compliance 1.3 Work Hours 1.4 Inspection 1.5 Scheduling of Work 1.6 Superintendence 1.7 Contractor Crew Requirements 1.8 Operation of System Valves 1.9 Required Work Not Covered by a Unit Cost 1.10 Payment to Contractor SECTION 2 - GENERAL CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS 2.1 Standards 2.2 Mobilization 2.3 Equipment Tools, and Labor to be furnished by Contractor 2.4 Materials 2.5 Plans and Specification Contradictions 2.6 Inspection by the Operations Manager and\or Designee 2.7 Reporting & Records 2.8 As-Built Documents 2.9 Alignment 2.10 Location of Other Utilities 2.11 Pipe Location Devices 2.12 Right-of-Way and Easements 2.13 Installation in Railroad Right-of-Way 2.14 Protection of Existing Property Irons and Monuments 2.15 Maintenance of Ingress and Egress 2.16 Maintenance of Traffic 2.17 Steel Plates & Bridging 2.18 Erosion & Sediment Control 2.19 Clearing, Grubbing and Tree Removal 2.20 Clean Up 2.21 Test Hole Excavations 2.22 Trench Width 2.23 Required Clearance 2.24 Required Cover 2.25 Trench Stabilization 2.26 Trenching 2.27 Direct Burial

2.28 Directional Drilling 2.29 Boring 2.30 Backfilling 2.31 Temporary Asphalt Cap SECTION 3 – WATER DISTRIBUTION FACILITIES INSTALLATION 3.1 Contractor Qualifications 3.2 Installation of Water Services 3.3 Renewal of Water Services 3.4 Installation of Fire Line & Domestic Water Service 3.5 Relocation of Water Meters 3.6 Pressure Testing of Water Services 3.7 Installation of Fire Hydrants 3.8 Replacement of Fire Hydrants 3.9 Fire Hydrant Inspections 3.10 Water Valve Installation 3.11 Installation of Temporary Water Service 3.12 Abandonment of Existing Water Facilities 3.13 Removal of Existing Water Facilities 3.14 Water Main Repairs 3.15 Water Main Installation 3.16 Cutting of Pipe 3.17 Bell Ends 3.18 Unsuitable Conditions for Laying Pipe 3.19 Cast and Ductile Iron Joint Restraint 3.20 Tie-Ins to Existing System

CITY OF RICHMOND

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR Installation of New Water Mains and Services

SECTION 1-GENERAL 1.1 Scope of Work

1) This contract covers the general contracting services for the repair, renewal, and retirement of water mains, services, and associated appurtenances, as well as the installation of new water services and facilities within the City Richmond water distribution system.

2) The water mains and services may vary in nominal diameter size from 5/8 inch service lines

to 42 inch transmission mains.

3) The City reserves the right to add to or delete from the original scope of work of any project once the contractor has started a project. The work will be paid under the appropriate pay items. This work must be done in the order directed by the Operations Manager or their designated representative.

4) Once a project is started, the contractor will continue work on that project until the project is complete unless the Contractor is directed to move by the Operations Manager or their designated representative.

5) This Contract shall require the Contractor to work on active water mains and services.

6) Plans may be furnished by the City to the contractor with an appropriate material list. The City shall supply and pay for all materials necessary for the completion of the Work specified herein and on the Plans, except as otherwise expressly provided for in the Contract Documents. Unless otherwise specified, all materials shall be new. The location of existing utilities shown on the drawings was taken in part from records and in part from field surveys, and may not be complete or represent the exact location of the existing utilities. The City assumes no responsibility for the existence and/or location of any other utilities in the work area. It shall be the responsibility of the Contractor, to investigate and verify the existence and location of all utilities within the vicinity of the Work. The Contractor must meet all of the requirements of the Virginia Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act and contact Miss Utility to have the proposed work area utilities marked.

7) The contractor shall be required to submit to the DPU Construction Inspector in charge of the project, two (2) sets of as-built drawings for all water mains and services two (2”) inches and larger for each project within seventy-two (72) hours of being placed into service, no exceptions. Service tap records with accurate measurements for each small service less than two (2”) inches must also be completed within seventy-two (72) hours.

8) Bids will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidders.

9) It is anticipated, although not guaranteed, that there will be sufficient work under this contract to keep at least six (6) repair crews and two (2) Vacuum Truck Crews continuously occupied. The city reserves the right to reduce or request an increase in available crews.

10) Each Contractor prior to the beginning of the work day shall submit a daily location schedule

of work covering all projects under this contract. These daily location sheets shall be in enough detail and shall be accurate to within one city block of the work location. They shall have at a minimum; date, crew #, foreman, location, and inspector. All sheets shall be legible and submitted by no later than 8:15 a.m. Any work being performed and not included on the daily location sheet shall not be considered for payment unless the crew was directed to move by the Operations Manager or their designated representative.

11) All work under this contract shall conform with and meet the latest requirements of; Department of Public Utilities Water Distribution System Design Guidelines and Standard Specifications; Virginia Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry, CFR, Title 29, Part 1926; DPW Right-of-Way Excavation & Restoration manual; DPW Standard Requirements for Repaving Utility Repairs; VDOT Road and Bridge Specifications current edition 2016; VDOT Work Area Protection Manual; The City’s Procedure for Protecting City Trees and Utility Assets; and all applicable DPU drawings as they apply to construction methods and Operation.

12) The Contractor shall be required to replace construction equipment which is in poor working condition and a potential source of ignition.

1.2 Compliance

1) The Contractor shall comply with all provisions of the City of Richmond's "Standard Requirements & Instructions for Bidding" Copies of the "Standard Requirements & Instruction for Bidding" may be obtained from the City of Richmond Department of Procurement Services, located at 900 East Broad Street.

2) The City of Richmond, Department of Public Utilities, will provide the successful bidders

access to DPU’s GIS Maps, The City of Richmond Dept. of Public Utilities Water Distribution System Design Guidelines and Standard Specifications and Details may be found on the City of Richmond’s website or picked up at the Department of Public Utilities Operations Center, located at 400 Jefferson Davis Highway. The successful bidder will be notified when there are revisions to the above manuals. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to post all changes and notify and/or train their own employees on the changes.

3) All penalties or fines imposed against the City of Richmond for the contractor’s violations of

City, State, or Federal codes and regulations will be the Contractor’s responsibility. The contractor shall reimburse the City for all such fines paid by the City.

4) The Contractor shall use only competent and skilled workmen for the performance of any

and all Work on the water distribution system, as specified herein.

1.3 Work Hours

1) All Work shall be performed in such a manner that will not conflict with or increase the normal five-day workweek of the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities. The normal work hours are 07:00 hrs to 15:30 hrs, Monday through Friday. On occasion the contractor may need to work beyond 15:30 hrs, such cases shall be allowed with the Operations Manager or their designated representative’s approval.

2) Crews permanently assigned one (1) water crew to work between 15:00 hrs and 23:00 hrs and on call between 23:00 hrs. and 07:00 hrs. Monday thru Friday; the crews will be paid under force account. Crews permanently assigned to work between 15:00 hrs and 23:00 hrs will receive 10% differential. On occasion, the Contractor may need to work beyond 23:00 hrs due to problems which may arise during the course of normal work hours. This work will be allowed with the Operations Manager or their designated representative’s approval.

3) The contractor will be provided with a weekend and holiday duty schedule by mid-December of each year. Work hours for weekend and holidays shall be from 08:00 hrs to 16:30 hrs; and on call from 15:30 hrs to 08:00 hrs. Weekend and holiday crews will be through bid items, and emergencies under force account.

4) The City of Richmond, Dept. of Public Utilities reserves the right to suspend work in case of inclement weather, broken water mains, and consumers without water are the exception. The City will pay (two) 2 hours for show up when work is canceled due to inclement weather. The decision to retain personnel shall be decided by Operations Manager or their designated representative.

Measurement and Payment

1) There is no minimum guarantee of 40 hours per week. All overtime shall be approved by the Operations Manager or their designated representative prior to commencing work.

2) Unit cost bid items is uninterrupted work performed during the course of a day, if the Department of Public Utilities moves a crew to an emergency water leak, the crew shall be paid under Force Account bids items until job is completed.

3) Emergency is defined as (a sudden urgent, usually unforeseen occurrence or occasion requiring immediate action).

1.4 Inspection

1) The Operations Manager shall have access to the Work at all times. The Contractor shall provide proper facilities for such access and for inspection. The Operations Manager or their designated representative shall be present for all special testing or approval of all Work that is required by the Specifications, the Operations Manager instructions, laws, ordinances, or any public authority.

2) The Operations Manager, in order to be present, shall be given sufficient notice prior to any

required testing or approval. The Contractor shall have no claim against the City for time or monies when sufficient notice, as described above, is not given to the Operations Manager.

3) The Operations Manager may require re-examination of any of the Work, if required; the

Contractor shall provide all labor, material and equipment necessary to uncover the Work. If the Work is determined to be in accordance with the Specifications, the City will pay the costs of re-examination and replacement. If the Work is not in accordance with the Specifications, the Contractor shall pay such costs.

4) Inspector(s) will be stationed at the Work site to report to the Operations Manager as to the progress of the Work, the manner in which it is being performed, and also to report whenever it appears that the work performed by the Contractor fails to meet the requirements of the Plans or Specifications.

5) If a dispute arises between the Inspector and the Contractor as to the materials furnished

or to the manner of performing the Work, the Inspector shall have the authority to reject the questionable materials or suspend the work until the issue can be referred to and a decision can be made by the Operations Manager. Inspectors are not allowed to revoke, alter, enlarge, relax or release any requirements of these Specifications or to issue instructions contrary to the Contract Documents. Inspectors shall in no case act as foremen or perform duties for the Contractor or interfere with the management of the Work by the Contractor.

6) The Operations Manager or their designated representative will make a final inspection of

the work included in the contract as soon as possible after notification from the Contractor that the Work is substantially complete and ready for inspection. If any of the Work is not acceptable at the time of the inspection, the Operations Manager will advise the Contractor, in writing, as to the particular item(s) to be completed or corrected before the work can be given final approval and final payment for the Work is approved.

1.5 Scheduling of Work

1) The City of Richmond, Dept. of Public Utilities, shall typically have control of the scheduling of the proposed work. The contractor will be issued work orders daily or weekly which will indicate work to be performed.

2) The city may provide the Contractor MDT’s (mobile data terminal) or the appropriate

software to complete and close all open work orders, describing type of repairs made and materials used.

3) The Contractor shall provide a daily location sheet by 08:00 hrs. indicating which crew is performing the work.

4) Each crew shall be required to complete a daily work sheet, indicating time of arrival to job site and completion time. The daily work sheet also needs have description of work performed and materials used and approved by the Operations Manager or their designated representative.

5) The contractor will be required to notify customers forty-eight (48) hours in advance when

interrupting the customer’s service for any necessary shutdowns of mains. Notifications shall be performed by putting out door hangers.

6) The following documents shall be returned to Maintenance and Operations Crew Supervisor of Water Maintenance the following work day after repairs has been made in an individual folder:

a. Daily Report b. Water Distribution Service Installation Work Order (Tap Record- If Applicable) c. As-Built sketch with the location of all appurtenances with accurate measurements (If

Applicable) d. Pipeline Condition Report (If Applicable)

Daily work sheets not filled out correctly and signed by the Construction Inspector will be returned and the corresponding invoice will not be processed for payment until all corrections are made.

1.6 Superintendence

1) The Contractor shall keep on the project at all times during its progress at least one competent resident Superintendent, having a minimum of five (5) years’ experience in the installation of water distribution facilities, The Superintendent shall represent all Work performed by all of the Contractor's crews and shall not function as the foreman for any individual crew. The Superintendent shall not be replaced without written notice to the Operations Manager or their designated representative except under extraordinary circumstances, as determined by the Operations Manager or their designated representative. The Superintendent will be the Contractor's representative at the site and shall have authority to act on behalf of the Contractor. All communications to or from the Superintendent shall be binding as if given to or received from the Contractor. The foreman of any individual crew shall have a minimum of three (3) years’ experience in the installation of water distribution facilities and a pipe fitter shall have a minimum of two (2) years of experience.

2) The Operations Manager will first approve all subcontractors used by any contractor on the

contract.

3) Personnel performing work under the contract may be required to display a personnel identification badge with a current color photograph. The badge must contain the person’s name and name and address of the contractor.

4) Upon award of the contract, the contractor shall furnish the City’s Operations Manager with

a list of the contractor’s responsible personnel and their telephone numbers for direct contact concerning any emergency matters relating to the contract. The telephone numbers are to include the contractor’s local office and/or trailer number, residence number, mobile numbers and pager numbers. The list is to be updated when personnel changes occur.

1.7 Contractor Crew Requirements

1) The Contractor shall provide a sufficient number of crews to efficiently complete the Projects required by the Contract within the Contract Period. For the purpose of the Contract, the term crew shall be defined as a collective group of Contractor personnel consisting at a minimum of a foreman, pipe-fitter, laborer(s), back-hoe and dump truck with operators, knowledgeable and able to perform a specific task or tasks. The Contractor shall provide the Operations Manager or their designated representative with five (5) working days’ notice prior to introducing new crews to the Project. The City reserves the right to limit the number of crews or request additional crews to complete the Work associated with the Project.

2) The contractor shall provide a minimum of one (1) fluent English speaking crew member

(preferably the foreman) for each crew assigned to the project, and he or she is required to be present at all times, no exceptions.

3) Leakage crew will typically consist of the following persons and equipment: One (1) working foreman, one (1) laborer/flag person, and one (1) pipefitter (1) dump truck driver. Equipment will be backhoe w/operator and dump truck w/operator and a vehicle with utility body (crew truck) equipped with minimum equipment and tools.

4) Kill crew (vacuum truck) will consist of the following: One (1) working foreman; one (1) pipefitter. A utility vehicle will be required of such capacity as to contain all necessary equipment, tools and supplies to perform water service kills.

1.8 Operation of System Valves

1) Under no circumstances shall the Contractor operate water valves unless approved by the Operations Manager or their designated representative.

1.9 Required Work Not Covered by a Unit Cost

1) For any required Work that is not covered by a specific unit cost in the Bid Proposal, shall be paid at the hourly rate (force account) and must be submitted to and approved by the Operations Manager or their designated representative prior to performing the work. Any work performed without prior, written approval from the Operations Manager or their designated representative will be performed at the sole expense of the Contractor. Work that is considered incidental or implied will not be measured for payment.

1.10 Payment to Contractor

1) The contractor shall submit invoices on a weekly basis of actual hours or units of work approved by City Inspector, or Operations Manager or their designated representative. Weekly payment request shall include reports of claims and any request for review of rejected work or warranty claims in order to be processed by the Operations Manager or their designated representative.

2) Progress payments shall in no way be considered acceptance of the work, nor as a release of the Contractor's responsibility for work completed prior to final acceptance.

3) All work performed properly and according to the specifications under this contract shall be warranted for a period of three (3) years after final acceptance of the project by the City.

SECTION 2 GENERAL CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS

2.1 Standards

1) The standards covered by these Specifications consists of, and includes, the performance of all operations and the furnishing of all labor, equipment, supplies and other facilities and materials, as required, necessary for the construction and maintenances of water distribution mains, services, and other facilities complete. The Work shall be complete, tested, accepted and connected to the existing water distribution system.

2) All work on the water distribution system shall be performed in accordance with: American

Water Works Association Standards (AWWA) Installation of Ductile-Iron Water Mains and Their Appurtenances, rubber-Gasket Joints for Ductile-Iron Pressure Pipe and Fittings, Flanged Ductile-Iron With threaded Flanges, American Standards of Testing (ASTM) Specifications for Carbon Steel Bolts and Studs 60000 psi Tensile, The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Cast Iron Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings, C25, 125, 250, 800; Nonmetallic flat Gaskets for Pipe Flanges, and The City of Richmond, Dept. of Public Utilities Water Distribution System Design Guidelines and Standard Specifications and Details latest edition, VDOT Road & Bridge Specifications, The Department of Public Works Standard Requirements for Repaving Utility Repairs SOP, latest revision, the City’s Procedure for Protecting City Trees and Utility Assets.

3) General construction operation applicable to water facilities installation shall be performed

in accordance with: the City of Richmond's Standard Requirements and Instructions for Bidding, as amended; Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter I (29 CFR 1926), "Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry"; and any other applicable standards which are hereby incorporated into these Specifications by reference.

2.2 Mobilization

1) The Contractor shall furnish all equipment and labor necessary for the performance of construction preparatory operation, including but not limited to: the movement of personnel, material and equipment to and from the project site; the establishment of the Contractor's offices and storage and equipment areas; the establishment of all markings, signs, traffic detours and controls; and all other facilities necessary to perform the work as specified herein.

2.3 Equipment, Tools, and Labor to be furnished By Contractor

1) The Contractor shall supply and pay for all equipment, tools, and labor necessary for the completion of the work specified herein, including but not limited to: all testing equipment; erosion and sediment control materials; drilling, boring, excavation and trenching equipment; pipe cutting, welding and fusing equipment and supplies; appropriate drilling, tapping and stopping equipment necessary for working on water mains and the trained and experienced personnel to operate the equipment.; this includes the tapping of ductile iron, cast iron, asbestos-cement, and pre-stressed concrete water mains; traffic control devices; and any and all applicable safety equipment which may be required.

2) Workmanship, tools, equipment and materials shall be of good quality meeting established

industry standards. The Contractor shall, as required by the Operations Manager or their

designated representative, furnish satisfactory evidence as to the kind and quality of materials.

3) Only equipment that will not damage the surfacing along any improved roadways shall be

used. When crossing improved roadways with equipment that will damage it, wood boards, flat pads or other approved methods shall be used to prevent damage to the roadway, The Contractor shall repair any and all resulting damage at no cost to the City.

4) The following equipment and tools will be required to be available and in good operating

condition on each crew truck that is assigned to the task of water repair. The Contractor will be responsible for ensuring each crew has the noted equipment. Any crew found not to have at a minimum, the equipment and tools listed below on the crew truck at the job site will be rated accordingly and any time delays due to lack of same or equipment and tools not being in good working order will be deducted from the daily time sheet and so noted by the supervisor/inspector.

a. Locating devices, boxes, and pipe b. Pavement Breaker c. Clay Spade d. Rock Drill e. Tamper (air) f. Air Compressor (120 psi) g. 2” Water Pump (air or gasoline) h. Cutters and Chaffing tool: Service cutters 3/4 to 2 inches i. Main Pipe Cutters (3 to 8 inches) j. Generator k. Lighting Equipment l. Appropriate traffic warning signs and traffic channeling devices (cones)

In Addition, the following items will be in good operating order and available on a twenty-four (24) hour basis at the Contractors office:

a. (1) Cut-off Saw b. (2) Gasoline powered tampers (Jumping Jacks) c. (2) Muller B-2 tapping machine and bits up to two (2) inches d. (2) Main Pipe Cutters (8 to 42 inches)

Hand tools to be on each crew truck:

a. Pipe Wrenches: (2) 24 inch (4) 18 inch (4) 14 inch (2) 10 inch

b. Crescent Wrenches: (2) 6 inch (2) 12 inch

c. Ratchet: (2) ½” drive d. Torque Wrench: (1) ½” drive e. Sockets: ½” drive

i. (2) 7/8” deep well ii. (2) 1-1/16” deep well iii. (2)1-1/8” deep well

iv. (2) 1-1/4” deep well v. (2) 1-1/2” deep well

f. Wrenches: One Set 7/16” to 1-1/4” g. Wire Brushes h. Files i. Rasp j. Brick Hammer k. 3 lb. Hammer l. Sledge Hammer m. Pick n. Chisels (Small & Large) o. Screwdrivers (Small & Large)

2.4 Materials

1) It shall be the Contractor's responsibility to independently review the project and determine the quantities of materials that are necessary to complete the project in accordance with the Specifications.

2) The Contractor shall load, unload, haul, receive, sign for, store, and otherwise be responsible for all materials. All materials shall be handled and placed in a manner that prevents damage and does not interfere with public and private travel.

3) The Contractor will be responsible for picking up or returning materials from the city

storeroom or other locations within the metro area. The contractor must coordinate all returned materials to the City warehouse with the Operations Manager or their designee. Materials maybe delivered to a jobsite by the city’s supplier. Returned materials shall be clean and damage free.

4) Any material supplied by the Contractor shall be approved by the Operations Manager or

their designed representative. If the City determines that material may be purchased by the Contractor, the Contractor shall provide a written quote for the purchases. This quote shall include a total unit price for each material, which shall include the Contractor's purchase price. The Contractor shall include any vendor invoices or other documentation as required by the Operations Manager or their designated representative.

2.5 Plans and Specification Contradictions

1) Where contradictions in the Plans and Specifications occur, the more restrictive provision shall apply unless otherwise authorized by the Operations Manager or their designated representative. The Contractor shall immediately notify the Operations Manager or their designated representative of any such contradiction and shall abide by the Operations Manager or their designated representative's decision

2.6 Inspection by the Operations Manager or Designee

1) Prior to installation of water distribution facilities, the Operations Manager or their designated representative shall inspect all pipe, fittings, valves, and other appurtenances in accordance with all provisions specified herein, as well as all applicable manufacturers' standards and specifications. The Construction Inspector shall determine whether to

remove from the work site all materials which do not meet the provisions specified herein, as well as any and all manufacturer's standards and specifications, and replace such with acceptable materials. The Contractor shall produce evidence, as required by the Operations Manager or their designated representative, that any and all items of the work have been installed in accordance with the specifications. The Operations Manager or their designated representative will conduct field inspections and witness field tests as specified herein.

2.7 Reporting and Records

1) All service orders must be filled out completely and returned the following business day.

2) All material found to be failed or damaged must be returned to the City for inspection.

3) Sketches/as-builts shall be made of all repairs and material added and replaced in the system with accurate measurements.

4) Whenever a water service is renewed the contractor shall complete and forward to the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities a completed Water Distribution Service Installation Work Order (ticket)

2.8 As-Built Documents

1) Once the new facilities have been completed, the Contractor shall provide, within (3)

working days, (2) sets of redlined project plans recording the location of the installed facilities. In the event a project has multiple phases, the as-built master plan shall be updated daily during the course of construction as well as reporting each live pipeline within (3) working days. The Operations Manager will provide an adequate number of copies to the contractor for this purpose. Progress payments will be withheld from the Contractor for their failure to maintain neat, accurate and complete as-built documentation.

2) As-built documentation shall, as specified herein, include the following minimum

information, as applicable:

i. Any newly installed and existing facilities exposed during construction shall be identified by:

Size Type Material Horizontal Location Vertical Location (as required)

3) The facilities include but are not limited to:

i. All work that has been installed according to the project plan(s) shall be indicated on the as built drawings, adjacent to the entity or the callout, with a check mark next to or a hi-light of the callout. This includes but is not limited to valves, elbows, tees, locating stations, test stations, fire hydrants, large meters; blow- offs and end caps, etc.

ii. All work that varies from the project plan(s) shall be noted neatly and clearly on the as-built drawings where the deviation occurs. At a deviation with the

alignment of pipeline, the pipeline shall be located at a minimum of 50’ station intervals along the deviation or as required to accurately locate the pipeline.

iii. Additionally, to be included on the as-built drawing(s) are the City Project #, date

of as-built, the name of the Contractor, the Contractor’s Foreman and the City’s Construction Inspector’s name.

The same criteria as outlined above shall apply to the reporting of any pipeline being abandoned.


The preparation of as-built documentation is considered incidental work and will not be measured for payment. The cost of any and all equipment, material and labor required for the preparation of as-built documentation shall be at contractor’s expense.

2.9 Alignment

1) All water mains and services shall be installed true to the horizontal and vertical alignment indicated on the Plans and Contract Documents, or as otherwise directed by the Operations Manager or their designated representative. The Contractor shall make no deviations to the proposed horizontal and/or vertical alignment of the water mains and/or services unless otherwise directed to do so by the Operations Manager or their designated representative.

2) In such cases where the proposed horizontal and/or vertical pipeline alignment will cause

conflict with other utilities and/or structures, or result in less than the specified minimum clearance or cover, the Operations Manager or their designated representative shall be notified and the pipeline relocated as per their direction. Any and all costs associated with such changes will be paid for at the unit prices bid for the required equipment, material and labor. No additional payments will be made for such work.

2.10 Location of Other Utilities

1) When working within fifty (50’) feet of any District Gas Regulator Station, Gas Relief Valve, or Gas Pressure Regulator the contractor shall contact City of Richmond Gas Works Supervisor of Pressure Control prior to excavating in the area.

2) The City assumes no responsibility for the existent and/or location of any other utilities in the work area. It shall be the responsibility of the Contractor to investigate and verify the existence and location of all utilities within the vicinity of the work Zone. When working within fifty (50) feet of any Water Tanks, or Pressure Reducing Valves, the contractor shall contact the Maintenance and Operations Crew Supervisor of Water Maintenance or designated representative prior to excavating in the area.

3) The Contractor must meet all the requirements of the Virginia Underground Utility Damage

Prevention Act and contact Miss Utility to have the proposed work area Utilities marked. The Contractor shall comply with all provisions of the Virginia Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act (Section 56-265.14, et seq., Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended) and hold the City harmless against any loss, damages, or claims of any nature whatsoever arising out of the Contractor's failure to comply with the requirements of the aforesaid act.

4) The Contractor will dig test holes in accordance with Virginia Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act. The City reserves the right to stop any work where, in the opinion of the Operations Manager or their designated representative, work is proceeding without proper test holes. The cost of any delays will be at the contractors’ expense. This will in no way allow the contractor to delay the required starting date on any project.

5) The excavation of test holes may, upon the approval and/or direction of the Operations

Manager or their designated representative, be required to ascertain the existence, location, size, type, and alignment of existing utilities or underground structures. The dimensions of these test holes shall be the minimum required to effectively locate the utilities and underground structures.

6) In the event that any gas lines, water lines, sewer lines, electric lines, cables, conduit,

and/or any other existing utility, either underground or above ground, is damaged by the Contractor during the execution of the Work, the owner of the damaged utility shall be notified immediately. Any fine, penalty or costs associated with the repair of the damaged utility due to the Contractors negligence is the sole responsibility of the Contractor. The Contractor shall repair or replace any water, sanitary sewer or storm drain utility damaged or misaligned during or due to the Work, to the satisfaction of the utility and the Operations Manager or their designated representative. If sanitary or storm sewers are incorrectly located than the contractor will be compensated for the repair. The contractor must perform all repairs to sewer service lines and customer water service lines whenever damaged on private property. Damage to a private utility that was not known to be in the area would be considered for compensation. All other utilities shall be repaired or replaced by the respective utility company(s) at the expense of the Contractor.

7) Repairs on sewer lines have to be performed by a licensed plumber in accordance with

Virginia Board for Contractors Regulations Statutes Title 54.1 Chapter 11.

8) The Work shall be coordinated and performed in a manner so that all existing valves and fire hydrants, without exception, shall be accessible at any time during the Work.

9) The Contractor shall maintain the existing streams, ditches, drainage structures, culverts

and flows at all times during the Work. The Contractor shall pay for all personal injury and property damage that may occur as a result of failing to facilitate drainage.

10) The Contractor shall maintain sewage flow at all times by pumping and/or diversion, or

other means acceptable to the Operations Manager or their designated representative. At no time shall the Contractor allow raw sewage to flow out of the sewer system to adjacent land or waterways. At no time shall the Contractor cause sewage to surcharge the sewage system such that sewage backs up into any service connection. In the event such backup occurs, the Contractor shall correct and pay for all damage caused.

Measurement and Payment Utility identification and precautions, with the exception of test-hole excavation and repair, are considered incidental work and will not be measured for payment. The cost of any and all equipment and labor required for utility locating Operation shall be included in the unit prices bid for the various pay items of the Work.

2.11 Pipe Location Devices

The contractor shall install pipe locating devices, supplied by the City, as required by applicable codes or direction.


Unless specifically outlined herein, all Work associated with the installation of pipe locating devices is considered incidental and will not be measured for payment. The cost of any and all equipment and labor required for the installation of pipe locating devices shall be included in the unit prices bid for the various pay items.

2.12 Right-of-Way and Easements

1) The Contractor shall confine construction operations to the immediate vicinity of the project location and in no case shall the Contractor encroach beyond the limits of the City's property or right-of-way. The Contractor shall further use due care in placing construction tools, equipment, excavated materials, and pipeline facility materials and supplies so as to cause the least possible damage to property and the least interference with traffic. The placing of such tools, equipment, and materials shall be subject to the approval of the Operations Manager or their designated representative.

2) Any damage resulting from the placement of equipment and materials or construction operation occurring outside of City right-of-way or designated work areas shall be the sole responsibility of the Contractor. The Contractor shall make satisfactory settlement for any damage directly with the property owner involved.

3) The Contractor shall conduct the construction in such a manner to cause the least inconvenience to the citizens of the area, thereby maintaining good public relations. The Contractor shall not unnecessarily interfere with the use of any public or private improvements, including landscaping; nor shall he unnecessarily damage such improvements.

4) The contractor shall adhere to the following procedures and City Ordinances for the protection of City Trees; Ordinance 92-231-227 City of Richmond Municipal Tree Policy, City of Richmond Code section 26-404 Cutting down any tree on city property prohibited, and Trenching & Tunneling near Trees (A Field Pocket Guide for Qualified utility Workers). The contractor should contact the appropriate City arborist when working around trees or when there are questions regarding the health of a tree. The Contractor shall repair any damage to such improvements to pre-construction condition, or as otherwise directed by the Operations Manager or their designee. The City reserves the right to repair any damages not completed within five (5) working days at the Contractor’s expense.

2.13 Installation in Railroad Right-of-Way

Piping passing under the right-of-way of a commercial railroad shall be installed in accordance with Part 5, of the American Railway Engineering Association Specifications, or as otherwise directed by the railway company permit requirements. Where necessary, the City will obtain all required permits for installations in railroad rights-of-way. The Contractor shall comply with all provisions of the permits.

2.14 Protection of Existing Property Irons and Monuments

The Contractor shall use care in protecting existing property irons and monuments adjacent to their working area. If a property iron or monument must be removed to install or repair facilities, the Contractor shall be responsible for locating the iron or monument in such a manner that a licensed surveyor can accurately replace it after construction of the new facilities. If a property iron or monument is destroyed because of neglect on the part of the Contractor, a properly registered surveyor shall immediately replace it at the Contractor's expense.

2.15 Maintenance of Ingress and Egress

1) The Contractor shall strive to maintain, at all times during the execution of the Work, continuous ingress and egress to all affected parcels and traveled ways. When ingress and egress to affected parcels must be blocked, due to the direct execution of the Work, twenty-four (24) hours advance notice must be given to the affected property owner by the Contractor. In no case shall the blocking of ingress and egress be allowed for more than twenty-four (24) hours consecutively.

2) The Contractor shall maintain access to all new and existing water valves and fire hydrants. 2.16 Maintenance of Traffic

1) The Contractor shall be required to provide maintenance of traffic within the construction area for the duration of the construction period, including during any temporary suspension of work. Maintenance of traffic shall be performed conforming to the current additions of the "Manual on Virginia Traffic Control Devices", "Virginia Work Area Protection Manual," and Virginia Department of Transportation Road and Bridge Specifications.

2) On all streets, the contractor must maintain one-way or two-way traffic as they are

designated. The contractor must use certified flagmen as needed to ensure the efficient and orderly movement of traffic.

3) The Operations Manager or their designated representative may provide a detailed Traffic Maintenance Plan for portions of the Work to be performed under this Contract. If a Traffic Maintenance Plan is provided, the Contractor is required to conform to this plan.

4) The Operations Manager or their designated representative may require that the Contractor

submit a Traffic Maintenance Plan prior to commencing work on a particular portion of the Work. If the Contractor is asked to submit such a plan, work must not commence on the portion of the project covered by the plan until the Operations Manager or their designated representative approves the Traffic Maintenance Plan.

5) The amount of roadway closure shall be generally limited to the immediate Work area and

shall be in accordance with the above manuals and specifications. In the event that an entire roadway or section of roadway is required to be close, the Contractor will be required to notify the appropriate authorities prior to closing the road and upon reopening the road.

6) All materials, equipment and labor used for traffic control measures shall meet the

requirements of the Virginia Department of Transportation. Traffic control measures shall

be made available to the Operations Manager or their designated representative for inspection prior to commencement of the Work. Measurement and Payment Maintenance of traffic is considered incidental work and will not be measured for payment for typical work zone conditions under this contract. Typical work zone conditions include necessary traffic control devices for the channelizing of up to one travel lane. The cost of any, and all equipment and labor required for maintenance of traffic above and beyond a typical work zone condition, as specified herein, shall be included in the unit prices bid for the various pay items of the work.

2.17 Steel Plates & Bridging

1) All plating shall strictly adhere to The Department of Public Works Standard Requirements for Repaving Utility Repairs SOP, latest revision, VDOT Specifications and The City of Richmond, Department of Public Works.

2) Temporary steel plate bridging shall meet the requirements of ASTM A 36; or ASTM A 572 grade 50; or ASTM A 588; or ASTM A 709 Grade 36, 50, or 50w. The contractor shall submit a Certificate of Compliance (mill analysis report or test report from an approved independent testing laboratory) for each steel plate being installed attesting that each plate meets the specified requirements. Each plate bearing an individual identifying mark that matches the same mark on the corresponding Certificate of Compliance will not be allowed unless individually reviewed and approved in writing by the Department of Public Works. The contractor shall provide written documentation attesting that all the bolts being furnished meet the minimum requirements of ASTM A 307.

TABLE 1 - SINGLE PLATE WITH 4 SIDES BEARING

Size of Opening (inches)

Yield Strength of Steel Plate

36 ksi 50 ksi

Min. Plate Thickness Req'd (inches)

36 x 36 3/4 11/16

36 x 48 13/16 3/4

36 x 72 7/8 3/4

36 x 108* 7/8 3/4

48 x 48 13/16 3/4

48 x 66 7/8 13/16

48 x 96 15/16 7/8

48 x 144* 1 7/8

60 x 60 7/8 3/4

60 x 84 15/16 7/8

60 x 120 1 7/8

60 x 180* 1 7/8

For longer trenches of the same width, the same minimum plate thickness may be used, except when multiple plates are used, in which case Table 2 shall apply.

3) Temporary steel plates shall be free from heavy rust, corrosion and pitting, and bends or

kinks. Light surface rust or weathering steel patina is acceptable. Bolts shall be clean and free from heavy corrosion. The maximum camber from level at any point in an unloaded steel plate shall be one (1) inch per ten (10’) feet in length.

4) Any temporary steel plate that spans a trench width greater than 60 inches in the shorter direction is required to have a structural design bearing seal of a Professional Engineer licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The plat shall be designed to support an AASHTO H20-44 loading in the any position on the plate span and shall meet all other requirements of this policy.

5) Any steel plate used for temporary bridging shall be rectangular in plan with a minimum plan dimension of 48 inches.

6) Meeting the requirements for temporary steel plate bridging does not absolve the contractor of the responsibility to properly shore the trench excavation.

7) Temporary steel plate bridging shall bear on solid pavement for a minimum distance of 18 inches at each end of the span. Sloughed off or broken up pavement will not be considered a suitable bearing surface. If a single plate is installed, the minimum bearing distance will be required on all 4 sides. Where multiple plates are installed, each end plate will be required to have a minimum bearing distance on 3 sides, and intermediate plates must have the minimum bearing distance on 2 opposite sides.

8) Temporary steel plate bridging shall be anchored to the pavement in a positive manner, which shall prevent horizontal movement of the plates under traffic or other loadings. Steel spikes driven into the pavement around the perimeter of the plating at approximately 2-foot centers may be necessary to provide sufficient anchorage against horizontal movement. Steel spikes used for this purpose shall have rounded or countersunk heads to prevent damage to vehicle tires. Spikes shall be driven into sound pavement and\or sub-grade material. In-place plate bridging that exhibits horizontal movement under traffic loads shall be required to be anchored to the satisfaction of the Department of Public Works.

9) Temporary steel plate bridging shall be placed level or in such a manner as to provide a smooth transition between the steel plate and existing roadway grades and cross slopes. Asphalt concrete bedding should be used to level plates on uneven pavement surfaces. Temporary steel plates shall not be placed greater than 3 inches above the existing

TABLE 2 - PLATES WITH 2 OR 3 SIDES BEARING

Width of Trench (inches)

Yield Strength of Steel Plate

36 ksi 50 ksi

Min. Plate Thickness Req'd (inches)

36 1 7/8

48 1-1/4 1

60 1-3/8 1-1/4

pavement surface. If the temporary steel plate requires more than 3 inches of asphalt concrete bedding, approval from the Department of Public Works is required.

10) An asphalt concrete ramp is required to provide for a smooth transition to steel plate edges that protrude above the pavement surface. This ramp must extend horizontally a minimum of one foot from the edge of the steel plate to provide a suitable taper and transition between the plate and pavement, with a maximum slope of 8.5% (1 inch vertical per 12 inches horizontal). If the temporary steel plate will be in place for more than 24 hours, then hot mix asphalt shall be used for the asphalt concrete ramp. Hot mix asphalt is not available on a daily basis, and when the Department of Public Utilities does not have access to hot mix asphalt The Department of Public Works will allow the excavator to utilize manufactured ramps for this purpose.

11) Where the roadway speed limit exceeds 35 mph, or where travel speeds regularly exceed

35 mph, temporary steel plate bridging may be permitted to be installed in accordance with Paragraphs 9 and 10 provided that no portion of the temporary steel plate extends more than 1 inch above the existing pavement surface (with the exception of bolt heads at splices). If any portion of the temporary steel plate extends more than 1 inch above the existing pavement surface, the pavement shall be milled down such that no portion of the temporary steel plate extends more than 1 inch above the surrounding pavement surface, and the milling shall allow for the required plate bearing distance of 18 inches.

12) Steel plate bridging shall be installed in such a manner that vertical deflection of the plate under traffic loads is kept to a minimum. Measurable deflections shall be limited to 1/120th of the span length of the plate. Bouncing or vertical movement of the plates at the bearing areas when subjected to traffic loads will not be permitted. The contractor will be required to re-set or re-bed any plate that exhibits bouncing or vertical movement that is deemed excessive by the Department of Public Works. If re-setting or re-bedding the plate or plates does not reduce the vertical movements to acceptable levels, the Department of Public Works may prohibit the use of temporary plate bridging for the specific location.

13) Where multiple plates are installed side-by-side over a trench, the joints between the plates shall be spliced together by bolting or a similar approved attachment method in a manner that prevents separation of the plates under traffic loading. Splices between adjacent plates will be permitted parallel to the span direction of the plates only.

14) All temporary steel plate bridging shall be coated with a durable epoxy grit nonskid surface on the side exposed to traffic. The epoxy-resin shall conform to the requirements of Section 243 of the Virginia Department of Transportation Road and Bridge Specifications, Type EP-5 with aggregate applied to the epoxy surface.

15) Temporary steel plate bridging installations shall be clearly marked with 4-inch wide white retro reflective adhesive-backed traffic tape that meets the requirements of Section 246 of the Virginia Department of Transportation Road and Bridge Specifications for Plastic-Backed Preformed Tape Pavement Marking Material (Type B, Class IV). The marking pattern shall be as indicated in the Department of Public Works Standard Requirements for Repaving Utility Repairs SOP, latest revision.

16) Advanced warning signs shall be used at all temporary steel plate bridging installations in roadways. Advanced warning signs shall read “STEEL PLATE AHEAD” and shall be fabricated and placed in accordance with the latest version of the Virginia Work Area Protection Manual.

17) The Contractor shall notify the Department of Public Works Call Center with the location of any planned temporary steel plate bridging installations no later than 24 hours before installation. The Contractor is required to provide a contact name with 24 hour telephone number for use by the Department in the event the installation requires attention.

18) Unless specifically approved by the Department of Public Works, a temporary steel plate bridging installation shall not exceed 5 days. Any extension after 5 days shall require approval from the Department of Public Works.

19) On all steel plates, the company name and phone number has to be stenciled or bead welded in letters four (4) inches high or larger in a prominent location for easy observation and identification in order for someone to be contacted 24 hours, 7 days a week.

20) Temporary steel plate installations shall be inspected by the Contractor and deficiencies corrected as often as needed to ensure safe traffic conveyance over the plates, in no case shall more than 24 hours elapse between inspections, and no more than 12 hours on bus routes. If the plate is installed on weekends or holidays, the plate will be inspected the first working day of the week.

21) The use of temporary steel plate bridging is discouraged during the winter season (December 1 – March 30), except in extraordinary cases where it is unavoidable. During the winter season, the Contractor will be required to adhere to the following requirements:

i. Temporary steel plate installations shall be clearly identified. The location will be marked with an orange traffic drum that conforms to the Virginia Work Area Protection Manual. The drum shall be a minimum of 36 inches in height and have at least an 18 inch minimum width. Metal drums shall not be used. The drum shall be stenciled with 5” high letters that say “STEEL PLATE” or a 30”x24” sign shall be attached to the barrel with the words “STEEL PLATE”.

ii. The Department of Public Works Snow Program Manager shall be notified of the location of any temporary steel plates.

22) Removal of Temporary Steel Plate Bridging:

i. The trench shall be backfilled and the pavement restored in accordance with City of

Richmond Trench Cut Restoration Policy.

ii. Anchorage holes in the pavement shall be packed full with graded fines of asphalt concrete mix or concrete slurry.

iii. The Contractor shall notify the Department of Public Work, Customer Service Call

Center upon the removal of the temporary steel plate bridging.


The cost of any and all materials, equipment, and labor required for plating and bridging shall be included in the unit prices bid for the various pay items. If a plate is compensated, all maintenance of the plate is the responsibility of the Contractor until removed.

2.18 Erosion & Sediment Control

1) The Contractor shall be required to provide a means of protecting and minimizing the effects of erosion and sediment displacement from the construction area and all immediate surrounding areas that may be affected by the construction activity.

2) Erosion and sediment control measures, including but not limited to; temporary stone

construction entrances; silt fence; storm drain inlet protectors; stone for erosion control; soil stabilization mats; dewatering structures; topsoil; temporary sediment; and permanent seeding shall be installed and maintained as indicated on the Plans, or as otherwise directed by the Operations Manager or their designated representative, in accordance with the Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook, latest edition.

3) The Contractor shall at all times maintain the work area in a clean and orderly manner, and clean the surface of paved streets immediately after backfilling.


Due to the nature of this contract, only minimal erosion control measures are expected. Basic erosion control to minimize effects to the construction areas and surrounding properties is considered incidental and will not be measured for payment. The cost of any and all equipment, materials, and labor required for erosion and sediment control, as specified herein, shall be included in the various pay items of the work.

2.19 Clearing, Grubbing and Tree Removal

1) The contractor shall protect City Trees and shall follow the requirements of the latest version of the “Protecting City Trees and Utility Assets” procedure. Where authorized, the Contractor shall clear all brush and timbers located along the alignment of the proposed pipeline, and properly dispose of such, off-site, in a prompt manner prior to commencing trenching Operation. In all cases where cultivated shrubbery, trees or otherwise valuable timber exists along the proposed pipeline route or right-of-way, the Operations Manager or their designated representative shall reserve the right to require the Contractor to adjust the alignment of the pipe or use an approved alternative method of installation which will not damage said shrubbery, trees or timber.


Clearing, grubbing and tree removal operations which can be reasonably and effectively accomplished with a bush hog or standard trenching equipment are considered incidental and will not be measured for payment. The cost of any and all equipment and labor required for such clearing, grubbing and tree removal, as specified herein, shall be included in the unit prices bid for the various pay items of the Work.

2.20 Clean Up

1) The Contractor shall keep the right-of-way reasonably clear of construction debris during the progress of the Work. Cleanup shall consist of all Work necessary to restore the damaged area to pre-construction condition. This operation shall include, but not be limited to, the removal of excess excavated materials, equipment, rock and other materials that cannot be placed in the trench backfill. Cleanup shall also consist of the repairing of trenches, disposal of vegetative debris and re-seeding and mulching or sodding as directed

by the Operations Manager or their designated representative, in accordance with the DPW Right-of-Way Excavation & Restoration manual & Virginia Department of Transportation Road and Bridge Specifications, latest edition.

2) The Contractor will keep all paved surfaces clear of soil (compacted or loose) and loose

gravel or stone. When a mechanical sweeper is used, the sweeper attachment shall be covered to minimize dust. When the Contractor is required to wash soil and gravel from the pavement, the Contractor at their expense, may use a City hydrant for water supply with proper backflow prevention devices and a meter. The Contractor will be required to provide water storage tanks and hoses.


Cleanup operations are considered incidental work and will not be measured for payment except for seeding, straw, crushed stone, mulch etc. The cost of any and all equipment and labor required for cleanup shall be included in the unit prices bid for the various pay items of the Work. The contractor will be responsible for all costs associated with the backflow device and water meter.

2.21 Test-Hole Excavations

1) Excavation Method

i. The excavation of test holes may be required by the open cut method to ascertain the existence, location, size, type, and vertical alignment of existing utilities or underground structures in the path of a proposed main. The Contractor shall excavate test holes to evaluate the locations of known utilities that will be crossed in advance of the open cut trench.

ii. Excavation of test holes shall include cutting, breaking and removal of the pavement surface and excavation of subsurface materials necessary to properly inspect the buried utilities or drainage structures.

2) Keyhole Method

i. The excavation of test holes may be required by keyhole method to ascertain the existence, location, size, type, and vertical alignment of existing utilities or underground structures. Unless otherwise approved by the Operations Manager or their designated representative, the dimensions of these test holes shall be a minimum of one and one-half (1½) by one and one-half (1½) feet (1½’x1½’) based on the bid item keyhole method. The Contractor shall excavate test holes to evaluate the locations of known utilities that will be crossed when boring or directional drilling installation methods are used. Failure to take such precautions may result in the Contractor adjusting the work or having the existing utility relocated, at the Contractors expense.

ii. Excavation of test holes shall include cutting, breaking and removal of the pavement surface and excavation of subsurface materials necessary to properly inspect the buried utilities or drainage structures. Excavation of subsurface materials shall be performed using conventional hand, vacuum and/or compressed

air methods. Backhoes and other large equipment will not be permitted for the removal of pavement or excavation due to the dimensional limits of the test holes. All excavations and removals shall correspond to the limits as stated above.

iii. All pavement and subsurface materials excavated as part of the Work shall be

removed from the jobsite and disposed of in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations.

iv. Restoration of surfacing for test holes shall be in accordance with The Department of Public Works Standard Requirements for Repaving Utility Repairs SOP, latest revision, and VDOT Specifications.


All test holes associated with directional drilling shall be paid for under the appropriate bid item.

Test hole for open cut installations, will be paid for 2” or larger gas and water pipe, large telephone and electric lines and sewer laterals.

The excavation and pavement restoration of test holes using the keyhole method for mains only, shall be paid under the appropriate bid item.

The excavation, removal and disposal of test holes using the open cut method for mains only will be measured for payment per cubic yard. The cost of any and all equipment, material and labor required for excavation, removal and disposal, and temporary protection and traffic control of the test holes shall be included in the unit price bid. Pavement removal will be paid for in the main trench. Pavement restoration shall be paid under the appropriate bid item.

2.22 Trench Width

1) For lowering services or for raising, replacing, relocating, inspecting, and installing mains and services the trench width shall be the nominal diameter of the pipe plus twelve (12”) inches. Provided that if the sum is not a whole multiple of six inches the trench width shall be increased to the next whole multiple of six inches above the sum.

Minimum Trench widths shall be as noted:

Nominal Pipe\Svc. Diameter Min. Trench Width

< 2” 12”

2” through 6” 18”

8” to 12” 24”

16” 30”

24” 36”

> 24” Project Specific

1) All items shall conform to VDOT Specifications and The City of Richmond, Department of

Public Works as directed.

2) All pavement placement depth shall conform to the City of Richmond Department of Public Works Standard Requirements for Repaving Utility Repairs SOP, latest revision. The contractors shall be required to use drum rollers on top surface of the asphalt in accordance with Virginia Department of Transportation Road and Bridge Specifications Section 315- Asphalt Concrete Pavement.

3) All milling and overlaying operations within the City of Richmond shall strictly adhere to The Department of Public Works Standard Requirements for Repaving Utility Repairs SOP, latest revision. All items shall conform to VDOT Specification and The City of Richmond, Department of Public Works


The Contractor should be aware that the thickness and materials of the surface and sub grades may vary. Payment for removal and disposal of pavement will be made at the unit price bid. The bid price shall include the cost of any and all equipment, material and labor required for removal and disposal of pavement. Unit bid price shall also include cutbacks of surface pavement grades and stepping of sub and base pavement grades. Excavation, select fill and removal and disposal of pavement for bell holes are considered incidental work and will not be measured for payment. Pavement removed and disposed of in excess of what is allowable and reasonable for installation of main pipe and appurtenances shall be performed at the expense of the Contractor and will not be measured for payment.

2.23 Required Clearance

1) All water mains and services shall be installed such that a minimum of twelve (12) inches, or as otherwise specified by the Operations Manager or their designated representative, horizontal and vertical clearance is maintained from all other existing underground utilities and/or structures, thereby permitting proper routine maintenance and protection against damage which may result from proximity to the utilities and/or structures. Shielding or sleeving may be required for horizontal clearances closer than twelve (12) inches.

2.24 Required Cover

1) Typically, all water mains shall be installed with a cover of forty-two (42) inches or thirty (30) inches minimum cover if necessary and a maximum cover of forty-eight (48) inches between the top of the main and the finished grade. The depth shall be continuous along the length of the mains.

2) All water services shall be installed with a minimum cover of twenty-four (24) inches inside of street and road rights-of-way and twenty-four (24) inches on private property unless unable to meet depth requirements. The Contractor may, upon the approval of the Operations Manager or their designated representative, install water mains and services with less cover when the specified minimum cover cannot be obtained, provided the main or service is adequately protected from all superimposed loads by means of approved sleeving or shielding. Under no circumstances shall the cover between the top of the water main and the finished grade be less than thirty (30) inches.

3) The Contractor may, upon the approval of or at the direction of the Operations Manager or their designated representative, install the pipe with greater cover than the specified maximum, as based on subsurface utility(s) locations or other field conditions.

2.25 Trench Stabilization

1) Where the depth of the trench and/or the type and condition of the soil requires stabilization, the Contractor shall provide a method of trench stabilization that conforms to 29 CFR 1926.

2) All materials and installation methods required for shoring, sheeting, bracing and any other

required means of trench stabilization shall conform to any and all requirements of 29 CFR 1926 and applicable appendices.

3) Trench stabilization system members shall be securely connected together and installed in a manner that prevents sliding, falling, kick outs, or other predictable failures of the trench sides. Support systems shall be installed and removed in a manner that protects employees from all forms of trench failure or from being struck by members of the support system.

4) Cross braces installed above the pipe to support the sheeting shall be removed only after pipe embedment has been completed.

5) Where trench sheeting is required to be left in place, as directed by the Operation Manager or his/her designated representative, such sheeting shall be cut-off at a minimum of three (3) feet below finished grade and the cutoff portion removed from the trench. Sheeting left in place shall not be braced against the pipe, but shall be supported in a manner that will eliminate concentrated loads and horizontal thrusts on the pipe.


Trench stabilization measures are considered incidental work and will not be measured for payment. The cost of any and all equipment, material and labor required for the installation and maintenance of any required temporary trench stabilization measures shall be included in the unit price bid for the Various pay Items of the Work.

2.26 Trenching

1) Trenching shall include all excavation necessary to prepare the ditch for the pipe to be installed regardless of what means or methods are necessary to produce such ditch. All trench excavation operations shall be performed in accordance with applicable regulations 29 CFR 1926, Subpart P - Excavations.

2) The trench shall be excavated to a depth that will provide the minimum required cover, as

specified in City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities Water Distribution System Design Guidelines and Standard Specifications and Details, latest revision.


Trench excavation will be measured at cubic yard for payment. The cost of any and all equipment and labor required for trench excavation, as specified herein, shall be included in the unit price bid for direct burial installation of the appropriate size/type pipe. Select material will be measured for payment in cubic yards of material placed. Payment will not be based on delivered volumes or delivery tickets, unless specifically authorized by the Operations Manager or their designated representative. The Operations Manager or their

designated representative shall verify the amount of select fill prior to payment. Select fill material placement will be paid for at the unit price bid and shall include the cost of any and all equipment, material, and labor required for select fill placement as described above.

2.27 Direct Burial

1) The Contractor shall, unless otherwise indicated on the Plans, specified herein, or as directed by the Operations Manager or their designated representative, install all mains and services and associated facilities by direct burial.

2) Direct burial of the mains, services, and associated facilities shall include, but not be limited

to: clearing and grubbing, trench excavation (trenching), trench stabilization (as required), lowering and laying pipe, and backfilling, as described herein.


Direct burial installation of mains and services will be measured for payment based upon the linear footage of pipe installed. Pipe will be measured horizontally and through in-line fittings, valves and specials.

Direct buried pipe in-place will be paid for at the unit price bid. The bid price shall include the cost for equipment and labor required for the pipe laying operation, temporary trench stabilization; dewatering; installation of the pipe, elbows, tees, reducers, transition fittings, sleeves, couplings, end caps, plugs, thrust restraints, bulkheads, locating devices; backfill; testing; purging; pigging; temporary pavement patches, seeding and mulching, and cleanup. Pavement restoration and select fill shall be paid by a separate bid item. Payment for installed pipe may be requested only after backfilling and testing operations have been completed and documented.

2.28 Directional Drilling

1) The Contractor may, upon the approval and/or direction of the Operations Manager or their designated representative, choose or otherwise be directed to utilize directional drilling as an alternative method of installing polyethylene mains and services.

2) Prior to commencing directional drilling Operation, the Contractor shall be required to

provide proof (Operation Qualification Packet) to the Operations Manager or their designated representative that the personnel performing the drilling operation have a minimum of one year of experience performing directional drilling operations of this type.

3) When, in the opinion of the Operations Manager or their designated representative, a

completed bore results in a deficiency which renders the pipe unusable, including but not limited to: insufficient cover; insufficient clearance with existing underground utilities and/or structures; excessive curvature of the pipe; excessive damage to the pipe and/or coating; or failure to stay on proposed centerline, the bore shall be abandoned; the pipe filled with cement grout, plugged and abandoned in place; and a new bore completed at no additional cost to the City.


Directionally drilled mains and services will be measured for payment based upon the linear footage of pipe installed. Pipe will be measured horizontally and through in-line fittings.

Directionally drilled pipe in-place will be paid for at the unit price bid. The drilling operation, including: excavating and backfilling sending and receiving pits and inspection bell holes; directionally drilling the main and fittings; testing and purging shall be included in the unit price bid. Any adjustment of pipe elevation in receiving pit including additional restoration will not be considered for payment.

The cost of any and all equipment and labor required for the removal, disposal is considered incidental and will not be measured for payment Pavement restoration shall be paid by a separate bid item.

2.29 Boring

1) The Contractor may, upon the approval and/or direction of the Operations Manager or their designated representative, choose or otherwise be directed to bore the mains and services beneath certain traveled ways and/or watercourses.

2) When, in the opinion of the Operations Manager or their designated representative, a

completed bore results in a deficiency which renders the pipe unusable, including but not limited to: insufficient cover; insufficient clearance with existing underground utilities and/or structures; excessive curvature of the pipe; excessive damage to the pipe and/or coating; or failure to stay on proposed centerline, the bore shall be abandoned; the pipe filled with cement grout, plugged and abandoned in place; and a new bore completed at no additional cost to the City.


Mains and services installed by boring the pipe in-place will be measured for payment based upon the linear footage of pipe installed. The pipe will be measured horizontally and through in-line fittings.

Boring will be paid for at the unit price bid. The cost of any and all equipment, material and labor required for boring, including: Paving removal; excavating and backfilling sending and receiving pits; boring the main and/or service and fittings; testing and purging; and all select material, shall be included in the unit price bid.

Payment shall be made based upon the minimum required length of bore. Bored distances in excess of the minimum required length shall be paid for at the lesser of the unit price bid for direct burial or the bid for boring of the appropriate size/type pipe.

Pavement restoration shall be paid by a separate bid item.

2.30 Backfilling

1) Backfilling Operations shall include the furnishing of all labor and equipment necessary for the backfilling and compaction of all trenches, bell holes, and excavations over the entire length of the pipeline, as specified herein and in accordance with the Department of Public Works Standard Requirements for Repaving Utility Repairs, the Virginia Department of Transportation Road and Bridge Specifications, and the Department of Public Utilities Water Distribution System Design Guidelines and Standard Specifications and Details.

2) Trenches shall not be backfilled until the pipe has proper cover, bedding, and smooth, firm,

continuous support along the entire length of the pipe, as required.

3) The trench shall be backfilled as soon as possible after the pipe has been properly placed. Where the trench crosses driveways, roads, streets, or other places used for the travel of vehicles or pedestrians, proper care shall be taken so as not to impede the flow of traffic. All traveled ways, including driveways; walks, streets, or alleys shall be compacted with select material by mechanical means to 95% of the theoretical maximum density at ±20% of the optimum moisture content as determined in accordance with the requirements of VTM-l and as specified in the DPW Right-of-Way Excavation & Restoration manual and the Virginia Department of Transportation Road and Bridge Specifications, latest edition. Compaction testing results must be provided to the Operations Manager or their designee and shall be performed in accordance with the following criteria:

a) The compaction testing frequency along pipeline trenches shall be one (1) test per lift on alternating sides of the pipe for each three-hundred feet (300’) of pipe or portion thereof. The testing shall begin after the first lift above the bedding and continue to the pavement section. The Operations Manager may alter testing frequency requirements.

b) The compaction testing frequency along short main and service trenches shall be a minimum of one (1) test per lift on alternating sides of the pipe for each twenty feet (20’) of pipe or portion thereof. The testing shall begin after the first lift above the bedding and continue to the pavement section. The Operations Manager may alter the testing frequency requirements.

c) The compaction testing frequency around fittings and appurtenances shall be one (1) test every other lift around the perimeter of the backfill. The testing shall begin after the first lift above the bedding and continue to the pavement section. The Operations Manager may alter testing frequency requirements.

4) Where deemed necessary, the Operations Manager or their designated representative may perform quality assurance density tests performed on the backfilled trench by an independent contractor or consultant at the City's expense. All compaction tests that fail will be deducted from the contractor’s payment for the cost of the testing. The Contractor will also be required to replace the area that failed the compaction test without compensation. Unsuitable material encountered during trench excavation shall not be used as backfill. Unsuitable material shall be removed to the limits established by the Operations Manager or their designated representative and replaced with select fill, as specified herein.

5) All backfill material shall be free from objects that might damage the pipe. Wherever it is deemed necessary by the Operations Manager or their designated representative, hand labor shall be used in starting the backfill. The backfill placed from the bedding to the top of the pipe shall be placed in the trench simultaneously on both sides of the pipe for the full width of the trench in layers not to exceed six (6) inches in depth. The backfill material shall be thoroughly compacted under and on each side of the pipe to provide solid backing against the external surface of the pipe and to remove all voids. The trench may be backfilled from one (1) foot above the pipe to the top of the trench with mechanical equipment provided the machine is operated parallel to the trench and the material is placed in the trench in layers not to exceed six (6) inches for the full width.

6) All trenched construction shall be adequately compacted by means of rolling, tamping with mechanical rammers, or hand tamping such that no future settlement of the trench backfill

will occur. If vibratory rollers are used for backfill compaction, vibratory motors shall not be activated until at least three (3) feet of backfill has been placed and compacted around the pipe. Flooding shall not be permitted as a means of backfill consolidation. Backfill compaction achieved by means of driving any type of construction equipment and/or vehicles, other than those specifically designed for trench compaction work, across any part of the trench shall not be permitted. The Contractor shall refill and compact backfill areas where settlement occurs.


Backfilling Operations are considered incidental work and will not be measured for payment. The cost of any and all equipment, and labor required for the completion of backfilling Operation shall be included in the unit prices bid for the various pay items of the Work. Select material will be furnished by the City of Richmond, Department of Public Utilities. Compaction Testing will be compensated as a separate bit item per test as required and performed on each project.

2.31 Temporary Asphalt Cap

1) The Contractor shall be required to place a temporary asphalt cap along the trench line or bell hole immediately following the backfilling operation. The placement of the cap shall include a gravel base and a two (2) inch minimum asphalt cap (MC-3 or SM-9.5A for major arterial roadways). The gravel and asphalt shall be placed and compacted in a manner that will allow a smooth and stable surface for vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The Contractor shall use an asphalt vibratory plate, approved asphalt roller or a jumping jack for placement of the temporary asphalt cap; excavation equipment or other rubber-tired equipment will not be allowed for compaction of the asphalt. The Contractor shall use "cold patch", base mix or surface mix for the cap, as approved by the Operations Manager or their designated representative.

2) The Contractor shall maintain the cut and temporary cap until the cut and temporary cap is accepted for final pavement restoration by the Department of Public Utilities Paving group.

3) City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities will furnish MC-3.


All Work associated with the placement of temporary asphalt caps is considered incidental and will not be measured for payment. The cost of any and all equipment and labor required for the placement of the asphalt caps shall be included in the unit prices bid for the various pay items. If 2” of SM-9.5A (hot mix) is used for major arterial roadways, the Contractor will be compensated the unit bid price for the item.

2.32 Abandonment or Removal of Existing Facilities

1) The Contractor shall, as indicated on the Plans or as otherwise directed by the Operations Manager or their designated representative, be required to remove from service certain sections of the existing distribution facilities, including but not limited to: mains, services, various fittings, valves and valve boxes.

2) The Contractor shall be required, as directed by the Operations Manager or their designated representative, to return various abandoned distribution facility components to the City in working condition.

3) The Contractor shall be required to remove short sections of piping at tie-in locations, at

the direction of the Operations Manager or their designated representative or as deemed necessary by the Contractor, to facilitate tie-in Operation. Additionally, removal of pipe will only be required where indicated on Plans, or as directed by the Operations Manager or their designated representative.


Payment for the abandonment or removal of facilities will be paid by the appropriate bid item.

SECTION 3

WATER DISTRIBUTION FACILITIES INSTALLATION

3.1 Contractor Qualifications

1) The Contractor shall use only competent and skilled workmen for the performance of any

and all work on the City of Richmond’s Water Distribution System, as specified herein.

2) The Contractor shall furnish evidence, as required by and to the satisfaction of the Operations Manager or their designated representative, that all work is performed in a professional manner meeting the requirements of this contract.

3) The following publications shall be used when installing, testing, and inspecting water mains and services:

a) AWWA C651-14 Standard for Disinfecting Water Mains.

b) AWWA C600 through C606 Standards for Installation of Pipe.

4) The following publications shall be used when installing, testing, and inspecting fire

hydrants:

a) AWWA Manual of Practices - M17 Fire Hydrants Installation, Field Testing, and Maintenance.

b) NFPA 25 Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems.

c) NFPA 13 Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems

d) NFPA 291 Recommended Practice for Fire Flow Testing and Marking of Hydrants

e) AWWA C502-14 Standard for Dry-Barrel Fire Hydrants

3.2 Installation of Water Services

1) Prior to any disruption of service, all affected water service customers shall be notified by the CONTRACTOR at least 48 hours in advance of the disruption and if necessary shall be provided with temporary water service except during an emergency situation. The contractor shall make every attempt to schedule service disruptions at the convenience of the customer.

2) Records of all new, replaced and transferred water services shall be obtained. Such records

shall identify for each service the address and coordinate location of the service, material used, length, depth and size of new service, the location of the tee and valve, corporation stop and curb stop. This information shall be recorded on The City of Richmond, Dept. of Public Utilities Service Installation Work Order and submitted to the construction inspector in charge of the project.

3) The Contractor shall be required to install all water services perpendicular from the main to

property line. The service lines shall be installed as directed by the Operations Manager or

their designee, in accordance with all applicable provisions in this document and in accordance with The City of Richmond, Dept. of Public Utilities Water Distribution System Design Guidelines and Standard Specifications and Details. Services not installed as required, the Operations Manager reserves the right to have services dug up and installed correctly at the successful bidder’s expense.

4) After notifying the consumer that service can be turned off, shut off existing curb stop and

corporation cock (so the house will not drain).

5) All copper tubing for new services or transfers shall be laid in the trench in a single piece without joints between corporation stops and curb stops, or between curb stops on transfers. Copper service tubing must be continuous from corporation stop to curb stop. If in Operations Manager’s opinion this is not possible, then no service couplings will be allowed beneath any pavement, curbs, gutters, or sidewalks. Polyethylene service tubing will only be allowed on a case by case basis and only after the Operations Manager provides written approval to contractor.

6) All existing services less than one (1”) inch nominal diameter shall be replaced with one (1”) inch copper tubing from the new main to the property line.

7) Tubing shall be connected to corporation stops, curb stops and to existing service pipe and

stops by using approved and appropriate connection materials. New service line shall extend to include removal\replacement of existing curb stop, meter setter and water meter box, where applicable.

8) For connections of one (1”) inch copper tubing to new or existing corporation stops, 1/8”

bends gooseneck material shall point downward in such a manner that service material rests firmly on undisturbed soil in direction of the proposed meter location. Rotate slightly to the right (clockwise) of corporation's centerline. Install gooseneck of sufficient length to preclude any possibility of failure due to settlement. Maintain minimum of forty-two (42”) inches of cover over service gooseneck. Install one and one-half (1 ½”) and two (2”) inch corporations on the pipe (at approximately 3:00 or 9:00 on the pipe). Install corporations with two 90 brass street ells (iron pipe threads) such that ell attached to corporation will remain stationary while second ell will tighten in the event of settlement. Install a brass female iron pipe thread soldered (copper) adapter on the second ell.

9) There shall be no kinks, bends, dents or crimps in the new copper tubing. If the contractor

damages the tubing during installation, the tubing shall be replaced at their expense.

10) Upon connection between new and existing service, place curb stop back in the on position, turn corporation cock on prior to installing water meter box. Release any air in service line by turning on an outside tap or other means as necessary. Confirm that service is operable without any problems prior to proceeding to next service.

11) Upon connection to new main, abandon portion of old service still connected to existing

main. In the case of a service replacement, this includes complete removal of abandoned curb box and rod.

12) Repair all leaks that occur on new, existing or abandoned portions of service. Upon

completion of the work and testing service, excavation shall be backfilled and disturbed surface area restored with temporary or permanent pavement.


Quantity to be measured and paid for services two (2”) inches and smaller shall be linear feet of new copper tubing installed, as measured along the service line from the tap on the main to connection within two (2’) feet of the water meter setter unless allowed by inspector to connect to the meter set (conditions may make this practical).

Unit price bid shall include cost of installing all copper tubing; pipe; compression connections; gasket fittings; joint and connection materials; connecting service to new corporation stops and curb stops where required; connecting to existing service material; verifying location and disposition of services; preparation and submittal of a Distribution Service Installation Work; tapping Operation; pressure testing; and furnishing all labor, and equipment necessary to complete the work

3.3 Renewal of Water Services

1) The Contractor will be required to renew water services from the meter to the water main. This includes replacement of meter box, meter yoke and tail piece to the property line.

2) Prior to any disruption of service, all affected water service customers shall be notified by

the CONTRACTOR at least 48 hours in advance of the disruption and if necessary shall be provided with temporary water service except during an emergency situation.

3) Records of all new, replaced and transferred water services shall be obtained. Such records

shall identify for each service the address and coordinate location of the service, material used, length, depth and size of new service, and the location of the tee, mainline valve, corporation stop, curb stop, main size, main type and main depth. This information shall be recorded on The City of Richmond, Dept. of Public Utilities Service Installation Work Order and submitted to the Operations Manager or their designated representative.

4) The Contractor shall be required to install all copper water services perpendicular from the main to property line. The service lines shall be installed as directed by the Operations Manager or their designated representative, in accordance with all applicable provisions of SECTION 2, GENERAL CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS and in accordance with The City of Richmond, Dept. of Public Utilities Water Distribution System Design Guidelines and Standard Specifications and Details. Services not installed as required, the Operations Manager reserves the right to have services dug up and installed correctly at the successful bidder’s expense.

5) After notifying the consumer that service will be turned off, shut off existing curb stop and corporation cock (so the house will not drain).

6) All copper tubing for new services or transfers shall be laid in the trench in a single piece without joints between corporation stops and curb stops, or between curb stops on transfers. Copper service tubing must be continuous from corporation stop to curb stop. If in the Operations Manager or their designated representative’s opinion this is not possible, service couplings may be allowed beneath grassed or landscaped areas, no couplings will be allowed beneath paved or concrete areas.

7) All existing water services shall be replaced with one (1”) inch copper tubing from the main

to the property line.

8) Tubing shall be connected to corporation stops, curb stops and to existing service pipe and stops by using approved and appropriate connection materials. New service line shall extend to include removal of existing curb stop, water meter box and setting a new box.

9) For connections of one (1”) inch copper tubing to new or existing corporation stops, 1/8”

bends gooseneck material shall point downward in such a manner that service material rests firmly on undisturbed soil in direction of the proposed meter location. Rotate slightly to the right (clockwise) of corporation's centerline. Install gooseneck of sufficient length to preclude any possibility of failure due to settlement. Maintain minimum of forty-two (42”) inches of cover over service gooseneck. Install one and one-half (1 ½”) and two (2”) inch corporations on the pipe (at approximately 3:00 or 9:00 on the pipe). Install corporations with two 90 brass street elbows (iron pipe threads) such that elbow attached to corporation will remain stationary while second elbow will tighten in the event of settlement. Install a brass female iron pipe thread soldered (copper) adapter on the second elbow.

10) There shall be no kinks, bends, dents or crimps in the new copper tubing. If the contractor

damages the tubing during installation he shall replace tubing at his expense.

11) Upon connection between new and existing service, place curb stop back in the on position, turn corporation cock on prior to installing water meter box. Release any air in service line by turning on an outside tap or other means as necessary. After all connections have been completed, flush the water from the service from an outside connection such as a hose-bib or hose leading from the house side of the meter installation to remove any particles in the service line and near the point-of-entry. The flushing shall be done before the meter is set using a “jumper” or straight pipe segment in place of the meter. The straight pipe will allow for a higher velocity flush and protects the meter from potential damage from construction-related fragments. The service line shall be flushed for at least 10 minutes. Confirm that service is operable without any problems prior to proceeding to next service.

12) Upon connection to new main, abandon portion of old service still connected to existing

main. In the case of a service replacement, this includes complete removal of abandoned curb box and rod.

13) Repair all leaks that occur on new, existing or abandoned portions of service. Upon

completion of the work and testing service, excavation shall be backfilled and disturbed surface area restored with temporary or permanent pavement.


Quantity to be measured and paid shall be under linear feet of new copper tubing installed, as measured along the service line from tap on the main to connection within two (2’) feet of the water meter setter unless allowed by the inspector to connect to the meter set (conditions may make this practical).

Unit bid price shall include cost of the tap and installing all copper tubing; pipe specials; compression connections; gasket fittings; joint and connection materials; connecting service to new corporation stops and curb stops where required; connecting to existing service material; verifying location and disposition of services; flushing; preparation and submittal of a Water Distribution Service Installation Work Order; tapping operations; pressure testing; and furnishing all labor, and equipment necessary to complete the work.

3.4 Installation of Fire Line & Domestic Water Service

1) Meter assembly must be installed in a horizontal pipeline with the register facing upward and readily accessible for reading. To meet accuracy specifications, the meter assembly should not be mounted at more than a 10% angle (either slanted along the pipe or tilted to the side).

2) In most applications, no straight pipe length, upstream or downstream is necessary.

3) Under normal usage conditions the meter within the assembly is not affected by sand or

suspended particles. The fire service strainer is for large debris which could impede fire deluge flow. The fire service strainer has a 2” clean-out port for removing debris.

4) The assembly comes with a spacer/spool to provide a common lay length and to provide a

test port.

5) The fire service strainer comes with an eyelet for lifting during the installation.

Installation Procedures

1) Suitable shut-off valves should be installed adjacent to both the inlet and outlet of the

meter so service may be shut off without inconvenience to the customer whenever the meter must be removed.

2) Clean and flush the service line thoroughly on the inlet side of the meter before installing

the meter. To insure unrestricted flow of water through the meter, use the proper size and type of gaskets. Connections should only be sufficiently tightened to seal; do not over-tighten.

3) When tightening the bolts/nuts, use a staggered pattern similar to tightening lug nuts on

an automobile tire to avoid over-stressing the flanges seals.

4) After the meter is installed, shut the outlet shut-off valve. Open the inlet shut-off valve slowly until the meter is full of water and there are no leaks.

5) Open the outlet valve slowly until air is out of the meter and service line. Open a valve

downstream of the meter slowly and insure that no foreign debris in the water obstructs the operation of the meter.

CAUTION: Introducing water too quickly into the meter will damage the meter's internal components. The meter and service line must be free of air before operating the meter at normal flow rates

NOTE: Install an electrical grounding strap around the meter for maintenance safety while repairing or removing meter.

NOTE: Consult the American Water Works Association (AWWA) Manual of Water Supply Practices M6 – Water Meters Selection, Installation, Testing, and Maintenance for additional details on water meter installations. Also, due to the complexity and risk of installing a large meter assembly, only professional, experienced personnel should install the meter.


Installation of Fire lines along with domestic water services, crew shall be paid under Force Account bids items until job is complete.

3.5 Relocation of Water Meters

1) The Contractor will be required to relocate water meters. Meter relocation will include all work associated with relocating the meter, meter box, meter yoke and tail piece to the property line.

2) Contractor shall be required to install fiber glass, HDPE, and polymer concrete meter boxes and lids up to approximately 24” x 36” in size as provided by The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities, or as approved by the Operations Manager or their designated representative.. The City of Richmond, Dept. of Public Utilities will provide the water meter boxes.


Relocation of Water Meters, crew shall be paid under Force Account bid items until job is complete.

3.6 Pressure Testing of Water Services

1) Prior to backfilling the trench, all new water service work which includes all taps, connections, joints, and unions shall be pressure tested under active line pressure in presence of the Construction Inspector. All water service pipe and appurtenances shall be made watertight.


Pressure testing operation is considered incidental work and will not be measured for payment. The cost of any and all equipment, material and labor required for pressure-testing operation shall be included in the unit prices bid for the various pay items of the Work.

3.7 Installation of Fire Hydrants

1) Fire Hydrants shall comply with AWWA Standard C-502-14, and The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities Water Distribution System Design Guidelines and Standard Specifications and Details, latest edition.

2) The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities shall identify the location for placement

of new fire hydrants and determine the water main for supply. The Contractor shall determine the location of other utilities and maintenance of traffic in accordance with the provisions in this document.

3) Contractor shall excavate and expose the water main. Once the main is exposed, all dirt

and debris must be cleaned from the main.

4) The Department of Public Utilities Water Distribution personnel or an approved contractor shall perform all tapping operations.

5) Install tapping sleeve and valve and air test for leaks; install tapping machine on valve. The

work area and any materials and equipment shall be sterilized with bleach as required. Make tap in accordance to manufacturer specifications. Close valve and remove tapping machine and install required blocking.

6) Assemble hydrant and lead using restrained joint pipe. Install new pipe from tapping valve

to hydrant valve. Install hydrant assembly insuring breakaway flange is two (2) to six (6) inches above grade. Insure hydrant shoe is properly supported on gravel fill (IAW Department of Public Utilities Water distribution System Design Guidelines and Standard Specifications and Details M-11) to ensure weep holes are not blocked. Place brick around weep holes and block back of hydrant against firm ground.

7) Open tapping valve and check for leaks. Open hydrant valve (with caps on) and check for

leaks. Backfill excavated trench with select fill and compact in accordance with provisions in this document.

8) The Operations Manager or their designated representative may require a tee and valve to be cut into an existing main in lieu of a tap, City of Richmond Water Distribution staff shall operate system valves to isolate the main for installation of the tee by the Contractor. Please note that the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities does not guarantee 100% shutdowns, it is the Contractor’s responsibility to provide sufficient equipment to ensure the work can be performed in accordance with the applicable standards and the contract documents. The Contractor shall notify all impacted customers a minimum of forty-eight (48) hours ahead of any service disruptions. All cut-in tees must be installed with solid sleeves and appropriate blocking and joint restraint along the length of the hydrant lead. The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities will provide materials.

9) Contractor shall record the location of the new hydrant with a minimum of two ties to fixed

site features such as curb, inlets, manholes, or edge of pavement. The Contractor shall record the hydrant manufacturer, model, install date, contractor name, DPU inspector name, and all fittings used from main to the hydrant.


The cost of any and all equipment, and labor required for Installation of Hydrant operations shall be included in the unit prices bid for the various pay items of the Work.

3.8 Replacement of Fire Hydrants

1) Fire Hydrants shall comply with AWWA standard C-502 and be approved by the Operations Manager or their designated representative. All hydrants replacement shall be installed in accordance with The City of Richmond, Dept. of Public Utilities Water Distribution System Design Guidelines and Standard Specifications and Details section 02514, latest revision and .

2) Contractor shall close hydrant lead valve. Remove hydrant nozzle cap and open hydrant to

insure water is off.

3) Contractor shall determine the location of other existing utilities as required, and provide maintenance of traffic as required.

4) Contractor shall excavate around existing hydrant exposing the entire hydrant, excavate to

the bottom of the spike for Mathews fire hydrants. Disconnect the hydrant from lead leg (For Cory or other older hydrants this may be best accomplished by breaking the last bell on lead leg).

5) Assemble the hydrant and remaining portions of lead using restrained joint pipe. Install

hydrant assembly insuring breakaway flange is two (2) to six (6) inches above grade. Insure hydrant shoe is properly supported on gravel fill (IAW Department of Public Utilities Water Distribution System Design Guidelines and Standard Specifications and Details M-11) to ensure weep hole are not blocked. Place brick around weep hole, block back of hydrant against firm ground.

6) Open hydrant lead valve and check for leaks. Open hydrant valve (with caps on) and check

for leaks. Backfill excavation with select fill and compact as required by Section 2 General Construction Requirements.

7) Contractor shall record the location of the new hydrant with a minimum of two ties to fixed

site features such as curb, inlets, manholes, or edge of pavement. The Contractor shall record the hydrant manufacturer, model, install date, contractor name, DPU inspector name, and all fittings used from main to the hydrant.


The cost of any and all equipment, and labor required for Replacement of Hydrant operations shall be included in the unit prices bid for the various pay items of the Work.

3.9 Fire Hydrant Inspections

1) The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities Water Utility has approximately 6,500 fire hydrants within the public water distribution system. As part of the utility’s on-going maintenance, there is an annual hydrant inspection program to ensure all of the hydrants are in good working condition and available for use during emergency conditions. A pilot program performed in 2016 indicated that on average one hydrant inspection activity took approximately 25 minutes and 12 hydrants per day could be inspected.

2) The Contractor shall perform fire hydrant inspection operations in accordance with City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities Hydrant Inspection program and AWWA Manual of Water Supply Practices M17 Fire Hydrants: Installation, Field Testing, and Maintenance.

3) The Operations Manager or their designee will provide the Contractor work maps, work orders, inspection form\report, and procedures in order to perform the hydrant inspection operation.

4) In order to meet the inspection frequency requirements of the program, the Contractor

shall provide a minimum of two (2), two (2) person crews with appropriate vehicles, tools, and equipment in order to perform the required inspections. There is sufficient; although not guaranteed, work to keep those two (2) crews continuously working throughout the year.

5) The Contractor shall be required to perform the following inspection activities as required, the Operations Manager or their designee may modify the required inspection activities:

a) Complete a DPU Hydrant Inspection Report issued by the Operations Manager or their designee.

b) Provide traffic controls for the diversion of up to one traffic lane per City of Richmond Department of Public Works requirements and the Virginia Work Area Protection Manual.

c) Clear any small debris and grass within a 3’ radius around the hydrant.

d) Validate existing hydrant information (size, make, model, break-away or no, etc)

and include on inspection report.

e) Record measurements from ground to flange and outlet nozzles.

f) Provide tools and equipment to reface existing hydrant on the barrel if not in an accessible position.

g) Provide hoses, diffusers, and dechlorinating devices to perform hydrant flushing.

Note: All City of Richmond fire hydrants open in the counter-clockwise direction and all nozzles are City of Richmond hydrant threads.

h) Operate\exercise hydrants and lead valves, hydrant (spanner) wrenches and valve

keys are required.

i) Locate and clean lateral lead valve box, provide locating device, cleaning tools\pick to ensure operating nut is accessible and operable.

j) Replace missing\damaged valve box tops, City of Richmond Department of Public

Utilities to provide valve box covers.

k) Provide pressure gauges (0-150 psi) to perform static pressure test.

l) Tools and Equipment to clean and lubricate nozzles, stem, and operating nut. City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities to provide NSF 61 certified food grade grease for lubrication.

m) Touch up hydrant with paint, Contractor to provide brushes to remove chips and

rust. Contractor shall also paint hydrant lead valve box blue once inspection is complete. City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities to provide paint.

n) Provide a photograph of hydrant.


Unit bid price shall include cost of all equipment, vehicles, labor, and preparation and submittal of a Water Distribution Hydrant Inspection Forms\Report.

3.10 Water Valve Installation

1) Valves shall be installed at all locations indicated on the Plans, or as otherwise directed by the Operations Manager or their designee and in accordance with The City of Richmond, Dept. of Public Utilities Water Distribution System Design Guidelines and Standard

Specifications and Details, AWWA Manual of Water Supply Practices M44 Distribution Valves: Selection, Installation, Field Testing, and Maintenance.

2) Valve installations shall include the valve, complete valve box assembly, any required

blocking. Consideration should be taken to get boxes set properly to the final grade.

3) Prior to installation, all valves shall be fully opened and fully closed a sufficient number of times to ensure that all parts are in proper working order.

4) Valve boxes shall be installed so as not to hinder the operation of the valve.

5) Valves shall be handled in such a manner as to prevent any injury or damage. All joints

shall be thoroughly cleaned before installation.

6) Valves shall be set and joined to the pipe in the manner as specified for cleaning, installing, and joining push-on and mechanical joint pipe. Valves shall be set in such a manner that the valve stems are plumb. Valves shall not be blocked using precast concrete block except in wet tap applications where precast concrete blocks may be used. No wood blocking will be allowed.

7) Valve boxes shall be insulated from the valve by blocking under the valve box with brick, concrete block or suitable masonry material. Similar material shall be used to block under the center of the valve.

8) Backfill shall be carefully tamped around each valve box, such that the valve box is plumb. Backfilling and testing operations shall be performed as specified in Section 2 General Construction Requirements.

9) A pre-manufactured concrete collar or a poured in place concrete collar shall be installed

around the lid area, of each valve box which is installed outside of paved roadways. Each poured in place concrete collar shall be, eighteen (18) inches by eighteen (18) inches and shall be composed of concrete capable of reaching a compressive strength of 3000 psi. All valves shall be in the open position for pressure testing, and shall remain as such upon completion of the tests.

10) Following the complete installation, backfill, testing and acceptance of the valve and valve box assembly, a section of two (2”) inch pvc pipe, long enough to be retrieved during operation of the valve, shall be placed in each valve box. The section of pvc pipe shall be sufficient length to extend from the valve to within six (6) inches of the valve box lid.

11) The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities will provide materials for the water valve replacement operations (bedding, select material, valves, sleeves, boxes, covers, bricks, pvc, etc)


The unit price bid shall include the cost of any and all equipment, material and labor required for valve installation, including complete valve box assemblies, blocking, and pvc pipe as describe above. Installation of valves greater than sixteen (16”) inches shall be paid under Force Account bid items until the job is complete.

3.11 Installation of Temporary Water Service

1) In residential areas for domestic water services the Contractor shall install two (2”) inch bypass piping. In commercial areas a minimum four (4”) inch bypass piping shall be installed. The length of feed shall not be greater than 300 feet from a single supply point. The Operations Manager or their designated representative shall determine the appropriate size, supply, and location of all temporary bypass piping.

2) Special caution will be taken with bypass pipe couplings and service connections to

eliminate potential for damage from vehicles. The Contractor may be required to provide protective covering, ramps, or enclosures.

3) The American Water Works Association (AWWA) has an established procedure for by-

passing water mains and maintaining services to individual users. Typically the bypass takes the form of 2” or 4” pipe laid in gutters, joined with Victaulic-type couplings, with rubber hose jumpers from the bypass into the meter box where it is connected to the house piping. The bypass is fed by nearby fire hydrants. The bypass must be installed, tested to meet City standards, and bacteriologically chlorinated for safety. The bypass may be in place and operating for a number of weeks. Concrete structures, including but not limited to headwalls and drainage structures damaged during construction, shall be promptly and satisfactorily restored to pre-construction condition, as directed by the Engineer, in accordance with all applicable requirements of the City of Richmond Department of Public Works and Utilities as well as Virginia Department of Transportation Road and Bridge Specifications, latest edition.


The unit price bid will include furnishing, installing, maintaining, and removing the necessary pipe fittings, as well as fittings to connect to fire hydrants.

3.12 Abandonment of Existing Water Facilities

1) The Contractor shall, as directed by the Operations Manager or their designated representative, be required to remove from service certain sections of existing water distribution facilities, including, but not limited to, mains, services, various fittings, valves, and valve boxes.

2) Abandonment of existing facilities shall be accomplished by either in-place abandonment or

complete removal of these facilities, as directed by the Operations Manager or their designated representative.

3) In-place abandonment shall consist of: restraint of existing facilities; disconnection of the

facilities from the existing system; removing top section of abandoned valve boxes, and backfilling with sand and asphalt; and restoration of the affected area as directed by the Operation Manager or his/her designated representative.

4) Valves and valve boxes shall be abandoned in place, unless otherwise directed by the Plans

or the Operation Manager or their designated representative. The abandonment shall not be performed until the abandonment of the main is complete. A one (1) foot square hole shall be cut around valve boxes located in the pavement or concrete, and the Contractor shall render the valve inoperable by breaking off the top section of the valve box a minimum of six (6) inches below the surface of the surrounding pavement or grade and filling the valve box with the same material (asphalt, concrete, dirt, etc.) directly adjacent

to the valve box. Compaction of the material used to fill the valve box shall be completed such that settlement will not result. Asphalt shall be compacted with an approved roller or vibratory plate.

5) As-built detailed information concerning all abandoned facilities including, but not limited

to, size of pipe, length of pipe abandoned, fittings installed, etc., shall be collected and submitted to the Maintenance and Operations Crew Supervisor or designated representative by the Contractor for all projects.


Abandonment of existing water facilities, crew shall be paid under Force Account bid items for facilities greater than two (2”) inches in diameter until job is complete.

3.13 Removal of Existing Water Facilities

1) The work covered by this contract will require the Contractor to remove sections of abandoned piping, valves, valve boxes, and blow-off assemblies.

2) After isolating and/or draining, the facilities shall be removed from the ditch and the ditch

shall be backfilled and compacted. Compaction shall be equal to that of the surrounding soil or as otherwise specified by the Operation Manager or their designated representative. Compaction within traveled ways, including driveways, sidewalks, streets or alleys, shall meet the density requirements as specified in Section 2. Following backfilling and compaction, the surface shall be graded to match the existing grade and contour. Removed piping and materials shall be properly disposed of or otherwise handled as directed by the Operation Manager or their designated representative.


Removal of existing water facilities, crew shall be paid under Force Account bid items for facilities greater than two (2”) inches in diameter until job is complete

3.14 Water Main Repairs

1) The location of other utilities shall be determined during emergency water leaks or broken water mains in accordance with Section 2, maintenance of traffic will be performed by the Contractor in accordance with Section 2. When setting up work site, contractor shall position water pump so as water will not run back into excavate trench or in the middle of roadway.

2) Once the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities personnel shutdown the water

main, contractor shall move equipment in to excavate in area of leak. Contractor shall excavate down to leaking section of main, it is then determined whether main is cracked or split. If the water main is cracked contractor shall install a repair sleeve on main, if the main is split, sufficient pipe must be removed and a section of new pipe installed with appropriate support and sleeves as required to ensure new section of pipe will not deflect once placed back into service.

3) Contractor shall install shoring as required by OSHA regulations based on the site

conditions.

4) Contractor shall clean all mud and debris from around the broken pipe, then he or she will clean pipe preparing it for repair sleeve. Install clamp over broken area, and ensure it is centered; tighten bolts.

5) City of Richmond personnel shall turn water back on, once this task has been completed and no leaks have been found, contractor can begin back filling the excavated trench. Backfill excavated trench with select fill and compact in accordance with Section 2.

Repair Sleeve Installation

1) Dresser couplings come in two types, galvanized and plastic. Both types are basically a sleeve sized to slide over a particular size of pipe. The sleeve is threaded externally on both ends and comes with two threaded nuts, one for each end. Inside each nut there is a molded rubber compression ring. One edge of each rubber ring is beveled. The beveled end must be installed toward the center of the sleeve to match the bevel inside the end of the sleeve. Inside galvanized Dresser coupling nuts there is also a metal friction ring. You must use this ring when you assemble the Dresser coupling during a repair otherwise your repair is almost certain to leak.

2) To use a Dresser coupling, just cut the pipe where you need to repair it, slide the nut and rubber compression ring over the end of the pipe in that order and push the nut and rubber compression ring down the pipe at least the length of the sleeve. Now slide the sleeve over that same end of the pipe. Slide the second nut and compression ring respectively over the opposite end of the pipe you cut. Center the coupling sleeve over the cut you made in the pipe. Work one rubber compression ring toward the coupling until it seats inside the sleeve. Make certain it seats squarely and firmly. Slide the nut up in place and hand tighten it. Do the same for the second rubber compression ring and nut. Once both nuts are hand tightened, using one wrench on the body of the sleeve, use a second wrench to tighten both nuts. If the Dresser coupling is plastic use two pairs of water pump or channel-lock pliers instead of pipe wrenches and do not over tighten the nuts or they will crack. You can use pipe wrenches on the nuts if they are galvanized.

3.15 Water Main Installation

1) When lowering a water main into a trench, all pipe, fittings, valves and hydrants shall be carefully lowered into the trench piece-by-piece by means of derrick, ropes or other suitable tools or equipment, in such a manner as to prevent damage to water main materials and protective coatings and linings. Under no circumstances shall water main materials be dropped or dumped into the trench. If damage occurs to any pipe, fitting, valve, hydrant or water main accessories in handling, the damage shall be immediately brought to the attention of the Operations Manager or their designated representative. The Operations Manager or their designated representative shall prescribe corrective repairs or rejection of the damaged items.

2) All pipe and fittings shall be carefully examined for cracks and other defects while

suspended above the trench immediately before installation into final position. Spigot ends shall be examined as this area is most vulnerable to damage from handling. Defective pipe or fittings shall be laid aside for inspection by the Operations Manager or their designated representative, who will prescribe corrective repairs or rejection.

3) All lumps, blisters and excess coating shall be removed from the bell and spigot end of

each pipe, and the outside of spigot and the inside of the bell shall be wire brushed and wiped clean, dry, and free from oil and grease before pipe is laid. Dirt and other foreign material must be removed from the barrel of pipe before it is laid.

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4) Every precaution shall be taken to prevent foreign material from entering the pipe while it

is being placed in the line. The Operations Manager or their designated representative shall require a heavy, tightly woven canvas bag of suitable size to be placed over each end of the pipe section if placement is hampered by the entrance of soil into the pipe barrel. Canvas bags shall be removed at the time of connection to adjacent pipe. During laying Operation, no debris, tools, clothing or other material shall be placed in the pipe. Pipe lines or runs intended to be straight shall be laid so. Deflections from a straight line or grade, made necessary by vertical curves and horizontal curves or offsets, shall not exceed the amount of deflection recommended by the pipe manufacturer. The Operations Manager or their designated representative is the only one who shall make the determination to change the alignment or grade. If an obstruction is encountered, the water main shall be lowered by means of a fitting, if the grade changes in excess of 2 vertical feet. A grade change of less than 2 vertical feet shall be corrected by installing pipes at uniform grades with high and low areas located at fire hydrant locations or air release valves.

5) If the specified or required alignment requires deflection in excess of those stipulated

above, the Contractor shall provide either special bends as approved be the Operations Manager or their designated representative, or pipes in shorter lengths; in such length and number, that the angular deflection at any joint, as represented by the specified maximum deflections are not exceeded. As each length of pipe is placed in the trench, the spigot end shall be centered in the bell and the pipe forced into place with slow and steady pressure without jerky or jolting movements and brought to correct line and grade. The pipe shall be secured into place with approved backfill material tamped under it except at the bells. Precautions shall be taken to prevent dirt from entering the joint space. No wooden blocking shall be left at any point under the pipeline. At times when pipe laying is not in progress, the open ends of pipe shall be closed by a watertight plug or other means approved by the Operations Manager or their designated representative.


Water Main Installation operation is considered incidental work and will not be measured for payment. The cost of any and all equipment, material and labor required for water main installation shall be included in the unit prices bid for the various pay items of the Work.

3.16 Cutting of Pipe

1) The cutting of pipe for fittings and closure pieces shall be done in a neat and workmanlike manner without damage to the pipe or cement lining to leave a smooth end at right angles to the horizontal axis of the pipe. The cutting method used shall be approved by the manufacture’s specifications and by the Operations Manager or their designated representative prior to any cuts.


Cutting of Pipe operation is considered incidental work and will not be measured for payment. The cost of any and all equipment, material and labor required for cutting of pipe shall be included in the unit prices bid for the various pay items of the Work.

3.17 Bell Ends

1) Pipe shall be laid with the bell ends facing in the direction of laying, unless directed otherwise by the Operations Manager or their designated representative. Where pipe is laid on a grade of 10% or greater, the laying shall start at the bottom and shall proceed upward with bell ends of the pipe upgrade.

3.18 Unsuitable Conditions for Laying Pipe

1) No pipe shall be laid when, in the opinion of the Operations Manager or their designated representative, trench conditions are unsuitable. Under no circumstances shall the pipe be laid in water. The contractor shall furnish all necessary equipment, labor and materials for pumping or otherwise removing any water that may enter or accumulate in the trenches or other excavations and keep them free from water until all work is constructed and set for sufficient time so water will not damage the work in any way or manner.

3.19 Cast and Ductile Iron Joint Restraint

1) In operating and maintaining the City of Richmond's existing buried cast iron and ductile iron pipelines, it is desirable to achieve necessary axial thrust restraint by transfer of the thrust force to the soil structure outside the pipe by means of sufficient pipeline embedment. For any situation where embedment is judged not to provide adequate pipeline anchorage, concrete thrust blocks and/or suitably restrained joints may be used on a case-by-case design basis. Axial thrust resulting from closure of existing valves shall be carefully considered in the selection of non-embedment pipe restraint measures.

2) The Contractor will be required to assess restraint requirements for adjacent joints of

existing cast iron and ductile iron piping or couplings integrated with a cast iron or ductile iron natural piping system when removing, repairing, terminating, working adjacent to, or joining to existing segments of cast iron or ductile iron piping systems. The Operations Manager or their designated representative shall approve all restraint measures prior to implementation or installation. No section of existing cast iron or ductile iron pipe shall be cut or separated from the existing system until a pre-excavation assessment of the piping has been completed and approved by the Operations Manager or their designated representative and all necessary restraint measures have been installed and approved by the Operations Manager or their designated representative.

3) Restraint Requirement Assessment a) A pre-excavation assessment of the work area shall be performed. All information

shall be recorded and submitted to the Operations Manager or their designated representative. This assessment shall be performed to verify:

i) The operating pressure of the piping to be working with or adjacent to; ii) The configuration of the piping involved, which shall include; the extent of

piping involved in the work to be performed, pipe size(s) valves to be utilized to isolate the segment of piping affected, as well as backup valves in case of an emergency.

b) Visual Inspection

i) Prior to beginning the required work, the piping shall be exposed and: ii) Determination of any variances with the piping layout or composition

developed during the pre-excavation assessment;

iii) Visual examination of the existing cast iron or ductile iron piping system to

determine the condition of the pipe. If the condition of the pipe is unsuitable for continued safe operation, the pipe shall either be replaced or repaired in an approved manner that will allow continued safe operation of the system;

iv) If required by variances between the pre-excavation and the exposed

layouts and segment compositions, the restraint requirements shall be updated and necessary precautions performed prior to continuing with the work.


Joint restraint assessment and installation is considered incidental work and will not be measured for payment. The cost of any and all equipment, material(s), and labor required for joint restraint assessment and installation operation shall be included in the unit prices bid for the various pay items of the Work.

3.20 Tie-Ins to Existing System

1) It is the responsibility of the Contractor to connect the Work to existing or previously installed facilities as shown on the Plans or as directed by the Operations Manager or their designee.

2) Where connections are made between new work and existing piping, such connections shall be made in a thorough and workmanlike manner, using suitable and proper fittings to suit the conditions encountered. Each connection with an existing water pipe shall be made at a time and under conditions which will least interfere with water service to customers affected thereby and as authorized by the Owner. Suitable facilities shall be provided for proper dewatering, drainage, and disposal of all water removed from the dewatered lines and excavations, without damage to adjacent properties.

3) The Plans describe generalized tie-in procedures and materials. The Contractor shall be aware that additional fittings or alignment changes may be necessary to properly and efficiently complete the tie-in Operation.

4) The Contractor shall have available the appropriate drilling, tapping and stopping

equipment necessary for the various fittings shown on the Plans and trained and experienced personnel to operate This equipment. The tie-in Operation shall be performed in a sequence as directed by the Operations Manager. In service taps of 3” and above through fittings are performed by the City of Richmond, Dept. of Public Utilities Water Distribution.

5) All tie-in operation, including but not limited to installation of the tie-in fitting shall be

performed under the direct supervision of the Operations Manager or their designated representative. The Contractor shall provide the Operations Manager with at least forty-eight (48) hours advance notice prior to initiating tie-in procedures.

6) The Contractor shall not commence any tie-in Operation until the new mains and services

have been cleaned and tested in accordance with provisions in this document.

7) Under no circumstances shall the Contractor operate any valves within the existing water distribution system. City personnel shall perform all valve operation and service restorations, as required.


Tie-Ins will be paid by the appropriate bid items.