New Lake Mead contracts to be awarded in 2015
21 January 2015USA—The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) board of directors adopted in December a recommendation to design and construct a new Low Lake Level Water Pumping Station (L3PS) at Lake Mead, “within the swiftest feasible timeframe.”
Although the tunnelling for Intake No. 3 has successfully completed, and the project will soon transmit higher-quality water to existing pumping stations, SNWA said declining lake levels resulting from an ongoing, severe drought in the Colorado River basin "have raised concerns about the future operability of the existing intake pumping stations."
The L3PS project will comprise a 525ft vertical shaft, 20ft in diameter; two discharge aqueducts of 144in and 108in; an underground forebay tunnel and connection to existing stub tunnel, among other elements.
"The underground excavation and pumping station mechanical and electrical components are anticipated to be accomplished under a contract that allows the constructor to work together with the designer in crafting design features that are both economical and compatible with efficient construction methods," according to information from SNWA.
With requests for qualification-based proposals in February, the authority expects to award a pre-construction services contract in May, and a construction contract for underground excavation in September.
