39-02205 Earth for Pipe.pdf

SECTION 02205

EARTHWORK FOR PIPELINES DIVISION 2

West Branch Regional Authority 02205-1 January 2026 Route 54 Sanitary Sewer Extension Project Earthwork for Pipelines Contract No. WB-1

PART 1 - GENERAL

1.01 DESCRIPTION OF WORK

A. Scope

1. The work covered under this section shall consist of providing all plant, labor, and material required to furnish, install, and test the Earthwork, as set forth on the Drawings and in accordance with this section of the Specifications.

2. All work performed, and materials furnished shall conform to the lines, grades, cross-sections, dimensions, details, gradations, and physical requirements established by the Drawings and Specifications. All Earthwork performed, including the materials furnished, shall be subject to the testing and inspection requirements set forth herein.

B. Related Work Specified Elsewhere in Contract Documents

1. Section 02541: Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan.

2. Appendix No. 1 - Standard Specifications for Extensions of and Connections to the West Branch Regional Authority Sanitary Sewer System, April 2014

3. Appendix No. 2 - NPDES General Permit for Discharge of Runoff During Construction

4. Appendix No. 3 - “Subsurface Soil Exploration Memorandum for Route 54

Sanitary Sewer Extension Project”

C. Information on Subsurface Conditions

1. The subsurface information provided above is provided for informational purposes only. The Contractor is advised that no representations are made regarding subsurface qualities of rock or soil. The Contractor shall make its own determinations relative to excavation required for the project. No warranties, indemnifications, or guarantees are made relative to subsurface information provided in the Contract Documents and Contract Drawings and in no way shall relieve the Contractor of its responsibilities under the terms of the Contract Documents. All determinations and other analysis regarding the subsurface conditions for the project and its effect on the execution of the contract shall be solely within the domain of the Contractor as reflected in its bid offered to the Owner. The Owner, Engineer and its agents related thereto are under no obligation relative to construction related provisions associated with subsurface information provided.

1.02 QUALITY ASSURANCE

A. Source of Supply Approval

West Branch Regional Authority 02205-2 January 2026

1. All aggregates furnished for the project to be used as backfill or embankment material must be acquired from a supplier approved by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and listed in PennDOT Publication No. 34, "Aggregate Producers."

B. Reference Specifications

1. Unless specifically otherwise noted in the Specifications or on the Drawings, all

Earthwork shall comply with applicable specifications set forth in the latest edition of Publication 408, "Specifications," of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Transportation.

1.03 PROJECT CONSIDERATIONS

A. The Contractor shall provide adequate and suitable means of support to prevent failure of any excavation wall and to protect personnel working in and adjacent to the excavation.

B. All open excavation and other construction which presents a hazard to personnel or equipment on the project area shall be adequately barricaded and posted with appropriate warning lights, barricades, signs, etc., as required by any local, State, or Federal regulations, or by the Engineer and/or the Owner.

C. Excavations near existing structures will not be allowed closer to the structure than the depth of the excavation below the bottom of the foundation, without adequately shoring the excavation. The right is reserved by the Engineer to require that such buildings or structures be underpinned or supported and protected, special sheeting be driven or that short lengths of trenched be opened at one time.

D. The Contractors attention is directed to the fact that there are existing water and sewer pipes, storm sewers, and other utilities within the project area. An attempt has been made to indicate the location of these utilities on the Drawings, but the completeness or accuracy of the information provided is not guaranteed. Verification of utilities and their locations shall be the sole responsibility of the Contractor.

E. During the progress of the work, the Contractor shall conduct operational and maintenance activities such that the creation and dispersion of dust is minimized. If calcium chloride or other materials are required for more effective dust control, the Contractor shall furnish, load, deliver, and spread the material, as authorized by the Engineer and at no additional cost to the Owner.

F. The Contractor shall maintain existing access roads and all other facilities free of mud, dirt, and debris.

G. The Contractor shall keep gutters, sewers, drains and ditches open at all times for surface drainage. No damming or ponding of water in drainage courses or waterways will be permitted, except where stream crossings are necessary and then only to an extent which

West Branch Regional Authority 02205-3 January 2026 the Engineer shall consider necessary. The Contractor shall not direct water flows across or over payments except through approved pipes or properly constructed troughs. When so required, provide pipes or troughs of such sizes and lengths as may be required, and place the same as required at no expense to the Owner. Perform grading in the vicinity of trenches so that the ground surface is properly pitched to prevent water running into the trenches.

H. The Contractor shall remove, realign or change the direction of above or below ground utilities and their appurtenant supports, if such is required in the opinion of the Engineer.

Perform such work as extra work unless such work is done by the Owner or the obstruction is removed without cost to the Contractor by others. However, the Contractor shall uncover and sustain the obstruction at his expense prior to the final disposition of obstruction. The Contractor shall not be entitled to claims for damage or extra compensation due to the presence of such obstruction or delay in the removal or rearrangements of same. Additional precautions concerning obstructions shall be as follows:

1. The Contractor shall not interfere with persons, firms, corporations or utilities employing protective measures, removing, changing or replacing their property or structures, but allow said persons, firms, corporations or utilities to take such measures as they may consider necessary or advisable under the circumstances, which shall not relieve the responsibilities of the Contractor.

2. Without extra compensation the Contractor shall break through and reconstruct if necessary, the invert or arch of any sewer, culvert or conduit that may be encountered if the said structure is in such a position, in the judgment of the Engineer, as not to require its removal, realignment or complete reconstruction.

3. If in the Contractor's judgment any sewer, conduit or culvert will be affected as a result of the pipe installation, costs for any reconstruction must be included in the cost to install the pipe. This is a means and methods consideration and not subject to control of Owner.

I. Where existing utilities or other suspected underground obstructions as indicated on the

Drawings are within close proximity of proposed pipelines, the Contractor shall uncover and verify the exact location of utilities and other underground obstructions far enough in advance of pipe laying to allow any changes in pipe alignment or grade required to bypass the obstructions to avoid removing sections of pipe already installed. If any sections of installed pipe must be removed and reinstalled as a result of not verifying utilities or other underground obstructions far enough in advance, the Contractor shall remove and reinstall the pipe at his own expense.

J. No right of property in materials is granted the Contractor of excavated materials prior to backfilling. This provision does not relieve the Contractor of his responsibilities to remove and dispose of surplus excavated material.

West Branch Regional Authority 02205-4 January 2026

K. Where the required quantity of backfill exceeds the quantity of suitable material excavated within the limits of the project site and rights-of-way, the Contractor shall obtain sufficient material to complete the backfill at no additional cost to the Owner. If borrow excavation is needed, the Contractor shall notify the Engineer sufficiently in advance of borrow excavation requirements to permit the Engineer to verify the need for such borrow excavation and to view the proposed borrow pit and determine the suitability of the material to be provided. Borrow excavation from outside sources must be suitable in all respects and will be subject to the approval of the Engineer, whose written consent must be obtained before its use will be permitted. Refer to the requirements of this Section for additional information.

L. Should the Engineer require a change in location of a trench from that indicated on the

Drawings due to the presence of an obstruction, or from other causes and such change is made before the excavation is begun, the Contractor shall not be entitled to extra compensation or to a claim for damages. If a change in trench location made at the requirement of the Engineer involves the abandonment of excavation already made, such abandoned excavation, together with the necessary refill will be classed as unclassified excavation and backfill as applicable, in case the full width of the trench has not been abandoned and additional compensation will be made to the Contractor. If a changed location of a trench is authorized by the Engineer upon the Contractor's request, the Contractor shall not be entitled to extra compensation or to a claim for damage. If such change of trench location involves the abandonment of excavation already made, the abandoned excavation and refill shall be at the Contractor's expense.

M. The Contractor shall not obstruct streets, roads and highways. Unless the Authority or

Owner authorizes in writing the complete closing of the street, road or highway. Employ such measures at no expense to the Owner as may be necessary to keep the street, road or highway open and safe for traffic. Maintain a straight and continuous passageway on sidewalks and over crosswalks, free from obstructions. DO NOT OBSTRUCT FIRE

HYDRANTS.

N. When construction activities involve the closing of alleys between streets, the municipality must be contacted by the Contractor for any activity that will facilitate its operation and for the permission to shutdown any alley. The Owner will not determine this prior to project bidding as this is dependent on the Contractor's means and methods of construction.

O. Contractor is hereby notified that portions of the proposed construction take place in close proximity to existing homes and businesses. Extreme caution must be exercised in these areas. Any damage to existing homes and businesses caused by construction will be the sole responsibility of the Contractor.

1.04 PROTECTION AND RESTORATION OF FACILITIES

A. Excavation machinery, cranes, and other equipment shall be operated with care to prevent damage to structures, piping, wiring, and other facilities.

West Branch Regional Authority 02205-5 January 2026

B. On paved surfaces, the Contractor shall not operate tractors, bulldozers, or any other power-operated equipment having tracks or wheels which are so constructed that they will cut or otherwise damage such surfaces.

C. Any property or facilities damaged by the Contractor's operations shall be restored to conditions at least equal to those existing immediately prior to the beginning of construction activities. Suitable materials and methods shall be used to perform the restoration as promptly as practicable. The scheduling of restoration work shall be approved by the Engineer.

PART 2 - PRODUCTS

2.01 GENERAL

A. On-site materials may be suitable for certain approved backfill materials in accordance with the provisions of this Section. Otherwise, suitable materials shall be provided as specified herein.

B. On-site materials excavated in the course of construction which are deemed unsuitable by the Engineer for certain approved backfill material shall be removed from the site by the Contractor at his expense and properly disposed of, as required.

C. All backfill and bedding materials, whether from the excavations or from borrow areas, shall be of such a nature that it will make a dense, stable fill after it has been placed and properly compacted.

2.02 PIPE BACKFILL MATERIALS

A. Approved Backfill: On-site excavated soil or soil-rock materials free of topsoil, vegetation, organic matter, lumber, metal, refuse, coal waste, slag and cinders. Rock or similar hard objects larger than eight (8) inches in any dimension shall not be utilized or approved.

B. Select Backfill: PennDOT No. 2A Coarse Aggregate conforming to Section 703.2 of

PennDOT Publication 408. This is required in all paved and stabilized areas, and also within 3 feet of edge of pavement in unimproved, earth shoulders including State, City, Township, Local Municipalities and Private Property.

2.03 MATERIAL FOR OVEREXCAVATION

A. Material used to bring over excavations for pipelines to the proper elevations shall be the bedding material specified for respective installation.

2.04 SPECIAL BACKFILL MATERIAL

A. Where the regulations of local, State, or other regulatory agencies require that special backfill material be installed, the Engineer will specify to the Contractor the type and

West Branch Regional Authority 02205-6 January 2026 sources of said special backfill material.

B. Special backfill material required in PennDOT roadway applications shall be PennDOT No.

2A Coarse Aggregate as specified in Section 703.2(c) Aggregates.

2.05 PIPE BEDDING MATERIALS

A. Pipe bedding materials in the "pipe zone" shall be AASHTO No. 57 coarse aggregate or PennDOT Type 2A coarse aggregate subbase material unless otherwise noted.

B. Where the original trench material is rock, the bedding material shall be AASHTO No. 57 coarse aggregate or PennDOT Type 2A coarse aggregate subbase material unless otherwise noted.

PART 3 - EXECUTION

3.01 GENERAL

A. Each Contractor shall make a personal examination of the project site(s) that will receive the improvements and shall determine for himself the extent and character of the work to be performed.

B. The Contractor shall be required to perform all excavation, including pipe trench excavation, to the lines, grades, and elevations indication on the Drawings, regardless of the type and character of the materials encountered. All excavation shall be performed on an unclassified basis; no extra payment will be allowed for rock excavation, quicksand excavation, muck excavation, or any other type of excavation encountered. Rock excavation shall be interpreted as being the removal and disposal of materials which require drilling and blasting, wedging, sledging, barring, or breaking up with power operated equipment for removal, including ledgerock, concrete or masonry structures, boulders, and other materials of related character.

C. No frozen or excessively wet material will be permitted to be used for backfill or embankment. Suitable or selected backfill or embankment material shall be kept separated from the unsuitable types. If the Contractor allows suitable backfill or embankment material to become frozen, excessively wet, or mixed with unsuitable material, he shall not be allowed to use it as backfill or embankment material and he will be required to provide supplemental approved material at no additional cost to the Owner.

D. All excavation materials not used in backfill or final grading operations shall be hauled from the site and disposed of by the Contractor at his own expense. He shall not dispose of such material on the site of the work without the permission of the Owner.

3.02 EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION CONTROL

West Branch Regional Authority 02205-7 January 2026

A. The Contractor's attention is directed to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Environmental Protection, Rules and Regulations, Chapter 102, Erosion Control which became effective October 21, 1972. The Contractor shall comply with all of the requirements of this Chapter and amendments thereto. Also, the Contractor shall comply with the requirements of Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan: Section 02541.

3.03 STRIPPING AND SPREADING OF TOPSOIL

A. Before beginning excavation or filling work, the topsoil from all areas to be affected shall be stripped to a depth as required and shall be either spread on areas already graded and prepared for topsoil or stored at a location designated by the Engineer. After completion of the major construction work, the topsoil shall then be replaced as the upper layer of backfill to a depth of not less than six inches so that the final grade shall be as required by the Drawings. If additional topsoil over and above that salvaged from the site is required in order to maintain the minimum six inches of depth specified, the Contractor shall furnish and install same at no additional cost to the Owner.

B. On all areas which are to receive topsoil, the compacted subgrade shall be scarified to a minimum depth of two inches for the bonding of topsoil with subsoil. Protruding stones, etc.

shall be removed from the subgrade by the Contractor prior to placing topsoil. Topsoil shall then be evenly spread, compacted, and graded to the thickness and to the elevations and slopes herein specified and shown on the Drawing; the compaction shall be effected by one pass of a flat roller weighing not more than 75 pounds per lineal foot of roller or other suitable compaction methods as approved by the Engineer.

3.04 STRIPPING AND REMOVAL OF UNSUITABLE MATERIAL

A. There may be areas at the project site where there is unsuitable material (decayed vegetation, leaves, trash, debris, brush, ashes, cinders, etc.) at or near the surface of existing ground. The Contractor shall be required to remove all of this unsuitable material and to properly dispose of same off the site. The Contractor shall carefully examine this situation at the project site and make his own evaluation of the extent of this phase of the work.

3.05 SHEETING AND SHORING

A. Where necessary for safety or to prevent disturbance, damage, or settlement of adjacent structures, pipelines, utilities, paving, etc., excavations shall be sheeted and shored. Any damage to new or existing structures occurring through settlement, water or earth pressure, or other causes due to inadequate bracing shall be repaired by the Contractor at his own expense.

B. Where trenches or excavations exceed five feet in depth, the Contractor shall, in advance of the start of the work, submit pipe installation and excavation procedures to the Engineer for his review. The information shall include complete details and descriptive data for materials

West Branch Regional Authority 02205-8 January 2026 and installation procedures proposed for use on the project.

C. All sheeting and shoring, trench boxes, and other forms of excavation protection must be designed by a Professional Engineer licensed to practice in the State of Pennsylvania.

Said Engineer shall provide the Contractor with a certification signed and sealed by him stating that the designs of such facilities conform to the requirements of all applicable laws, codes, and regulations. Copies of this certification shall be submitted to the Engineer.

D. The Contractor must follow the proposed sheeting plans submitted. No deviations may be made from the filed procedures without first submitting a revised sheeting and shoring plan, signed and certified as required for the original submission, by the same licensed Professional Engineer who prepared the original submission.

E. All sheeting and shoring not to be left in place shall be care- fully removed in such a manner as not to endanger the construction or other structures. All voids left or caused by withdrawal of sheeting shall be immediately backfilled with well compacted material.

F. The costs for all excavation protection methods shall be included in the bid price for the

Contract.

G. The Contractor will be solely responsible and liable for any damage, bodily injuries, or deaths that result from the failure to provide adequate sheeting and shoring or other means of excavation protection.

H. The Contractor shall be solely responsible and liable for any and all damages to persons or property resulting from any improper or premature removal of excavation protection facilities.

3.06 SHEETING AND SHORING LEFT IN PLACE

A. In order to protect adjacent property or structures, the Engineer may require that sheeting and shoring, or other excavation protection facilities, be left in place to be embedded in backfill or concrete. No additional payments shall be made to the Contractor for excavation protection left in place. All other excavation protection facilities may be salvaged when the removal of same will not present a hazard to either the adjacent property and structures or the safety of persons at the project site.

B. Materials used for excavation protection may have to be cut off at specific elevations or otherwise modified to accommodate job conditions.

3.07 EXCAVATION FOR PIPELINES

A. Except where otherwise shown on the Drawings, all pipelines shall be constructed in open trenches. The depth of trenches shall be such that the location of the proposed pipes shall conform with the lines and grades shown on the Drawings or as revised and established

West Branch Regional Authority 02205-9 January 2026 by the Engineer in the field during construction. Trenches shall be completed at least thirty feet in advance of pipe laying, unless otherwise directed by the Engineer; not more than two hundred (200) feet of trench shall be open at any one time.

B. The shape of all trenches above the pipe zone, trench sidewall supports both above and within the pipe zone, the construction methods employed, the general protection requirements, the general excavations requirements, the general trenching requirements, and the minimum requirements for trench shoring shall conform with the regulations set forth under Subpart P, "Excavation, Trenching, and Shoring," published as part of the Safety and Health Regulations for Construction by the U.S. Department of Labor, as amended. No trench excavation work shall be performed, which is not in accordance with said regulations.

C. The shape of the trenches in the "pipe zone" (which shall be construed to be that portion of the trench between the trench bottom and an elevation one foot above the top of the pipe) shall conform to the configuration shown on the Drawings. The Contractor is herein advised that if trench widths in the pipe zone exceed the outside diameter of the pipe plus two feet, and if the Engineer determines that such excessive widths will result in structural loadings for which the pipe is not designed, the Contractor shall be required to bed the pipe on concrete cradle as directed by the Engineer, at no additional cost to the Owner. If stone bedding is not used as bedding material, recesses shall be formed in the bedding material at the ends of the pipe to allow for unobstructed assembly of each joint and to prevent point loading at bells or couplings.

D. The Contractor shall shape trenches which are located adjacent to existing aboveground or underground structures or facilities or in other confined areas, so that such structures and facilities are properly protected against damage or disturbance from settlement or displacement. Adequate sheeting and shoring, or other means of excavation protection, shall be installed and maintained to provide such protection and the Contractor shall be responsible for all damages resulting to such proposed and existing structures, pipelines, or facilities as the result of his failure to use and maintain adequate trench wall supports, as well as a result of any other construction activities. The bottoms of all trenches shall be excavated to a depth below the bottom of the proposed lines as required to accommodate the bedding herein specified.

E. The depth of trench for pipelines shall be such that pipe in its installed position will comply with the lines and grades shown on the Drawings, or as revised and established by the Engineer in the field during construction. The minimum cover for pipelines conveying liquid shall be four feet, unless otherwise shown on the Drawings or approved by the Engineer.

F. The grades shown on the Drawings are that of the inner sides of inverts. The locations of the proposed pipelines are shown on the Drawings; approximate depths are shown on the profiles, typical sections, or typical details. The Owner will allow no claims for changes in location or grade unless such changes are made after trenching has been done for the pipeline of concern. In such cases, the cost of the work done by the contractor shall be

West Branch Regional Authority 02205-10 January 2026 agreed upon between the Contractor and the Engineer at the time the work is done and if the Contractor fails to promptly notify the Engineer at the time of the change, so the cost of the Work may be correctly determined, the Contractor shall not be allowed his claim by the Engineer.

G. Where solid rock is encountered, the trenches shall be undercut at least six inches and bedded with a layer of AASHTO No. 57 coarse aggregate or PennDOT Type 2A coarse aggregate subbase material unless otherwise noted.

H. All bituminous paving is to be cut to neat trim lines and all concrete pavement shall be concrete saw cut. Paving that is cut or broken to erratic or irregular lines shall be replaced and repaved to the extent required by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Owner, as directed by the Engineer.

I. All groundwater which may be found in the trenches and any water which may get into them from any cause whatsoever, shall be pumped or bailed out so that the trench shall be dry during pipe laying period. All water pumped from the trenches shall be disposed of in a manner satisfactory to the Engineer. The Contractor shall provide at least two (2) pumps for each trench opened in wet ground and, at the same time, he shall have one (1) pump in reserve. The Contractor shall provide and place all necessary flumes or other channels of adequate size to carry temporarily all streams, brooks, storm water, or other water which may flow along or across the lines of the pipeline. All flumes or channels thus utilized shall be tight so as to prevent leakage into the trenches. Water pumped from trenches shall be discharged in a manner acceptable to appropriate governmental agencies and meeting all of the applicable requirements for soil erosion and water pollution control.

3.08 PIPE BEDDING

A. Except where concrete encasement or concrete cradle is specifically called for or where the original trench material is rock, all piping where the original trench material is rock, all piping shall be laid in specified bedding material.

B. Pipe bedding consists of a minimum four (4) inch depth of compacted specified material

(Subsection 2.5) under the pipe for the full width of the trench at both sides of the pipe (between pipe sides and trench walls) to the horizontal centerline of the pipe. Payment for pipe bedding will not be made as such and the Contractor is to include these costs in the bid price for the Contract.

C. Where concrete cradle is required by the Specifications or the Drawings, the pipe shall be bedded in Class "A" concrete. A minimum of six (6) inches of concrete shall be provided under and on each side of the pipe, extending upward to a point two (2) inches above the horizontal centerline of the pipe.

D. Where the Contractor excavates the bottom of the trench deeper than theoretically required, he shall furnish all of the additional special bedding material (AASHTO No. 57

West Branch Regional Authority 02205-11 January 2026 coarse aggregate or PennDOT Type 2A coarse aggregate subbase material unless otherwise noted, bedding material, concrete cradle, etc.) required to backfill the bottom of the trench to the underside of the pipe. The Contractor is cautioned that there may be areas where unsuitable material will be needed to be removed from the trench bottom and additional bedding material will be required. Payment for such additional bedding material will not be made as such and the Contractor is to evaluate these conditions prior to bidding and include these costs in the bid price for the Contract.

E. Where the original trench material is rock, the trench shall be undercut at least six (6) inches and the pipe bedded in AASHTO No. 57 coarse aggregate or PennDOT Type 2A coarse aggregate subbase material. Except for the depth of material under the pipe, geometric requirements of AASHTO No. 57 coarse aggregate or PennDOT Type 2A coarse aggregate subbase material unless otherwise noted shall conform to the bedding specifications.

F. Where ferrous metal pipelines or casings pass through cinder material, the Contractor shall supply a polyethylene encasement as specified in Section 15070: Piping System Appurtenances and reimbursable through the Change Order Procedure (unless listed on the Drawings and in the Bid Form).

3.09 PIPE INSTALLATION

A. After the trench has been brought to the proper grade as specified and appropriate pipe bedding material provided, the pipe and specials shall be laid. Pipe laying shall be done in the presence of an inspector, and the Contractor shall give ample notice to the Engineer before laying pipe so that an inspector may be provided to make proper inspection.

B. Before any pipe is constructed in trenches, it shall be inspected for damage, and the inside of the pipe shall be swabbed to remove loose dirt and foreign objects. No damaged pipe will be permitted to be installed.

C. All pipe shall be installed to the lines and grades shown on the Drawings or as established by the Engineer in the field. The grades shown on the Drawings are that of the inner side of inverts. work not conforming to the required grades shall be corrected by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Owner. The grade and alignment of the pipe must be established in one of the following ways:

1. String Line - The string line shall be parallel with the grade line and vertically above the centerline of the pipe. This line shall be established on level batter boards at intervals of not more than fifty feet. Batter boards shall span the trench and be rigidly anchored to substantial posts driven into the ground on each side of the trench. Three (3) adjacent batter boards must be set before laying pipe to provide a check on the grades and line. Elevation and position of the string line shall be determined from the elevation and position of offset points or stakes located along the pipe route. Pipe shall not be laid using side lines for line and

West Branch Regional Authority 02205-12 January 2026 grade.

2. Laser Beam - Laser beam may be used in lieu of string lines when operated by trained personnel and the proper safety precautions adhered to, either as suggested by the manufacturer or as required by local and State laws, codes, or regulations. At least every third section of pipe shall be checked with a level to assure that the laser beam is on the correct grade.

D. No pipes shall be constructed in trenches in which water flows or is pooled and all pipes shall be carefully handled in the ditch to keep the couplings and rubber rings free from dirt.

During construction, the mouth of the completed pipe shall always be kept properly closed with a suitable plug to prevent the entrance thereto of any water, earth, stones, or other debris. The Contractor shall also take any and all measures to keep the pipe clean and free from deposits and to protect the pipe from injury until finally inspected and accepted by the Engineer.

3.10 ANCHORING AND BLOCKING PRESSURE PIPING

A. All bends, plugs, caps, tees, and wye branches along pipelines shall be adequately blocked or anchored to prevent the lines from pulling apart under pressure. Blocking shall conform to the details shown on the Drawings. Lugged fittings, tie rods, clamps, collars, restrained joints, and anchoring fittings may be provided as specified in Section 15070:

Piping System Appurtenances if approved by the Engineer. Concrete used for blocking and anchoring pipelines shall be as described in Section 15070: Piping System Appurtenances.

B. Concrete anchors are required to be furnished and installed at the locations shown on the

Drawings in accordance with details on the Drawings and as directed and approved by the Engineer. Said anchor material shall consist of concrete as described in Section 15070:

Piping System Appurtenances.

3.11 PIPE TESTING AND DISINFECTION

A. Refer to pipe testing requirements set forth in Appendix No. 1. The pipe must be tested in sections not to exceed 1200 feet. Payment for installed pipe will not be made until the pipeline has been tested and approved.

3.12 BACKFILL FOR PIPELINES

A. Backfilling shall be done as promptly as is consistent with non-injury of the pipe and joints.

However, no backfilling shall be performed before the Engineer gives permission.

B. Backfilling shall be carefully performed, and the original surface restored to the full satisfaction of the Engineer. After pipes have been tested and approved, trenches shall be backfilled with approved backfill material, carefully deposited in layers as specified herein, West Branch Regional Authority 02205-13 January 2026 and thoroughly and carefully tamped between the pipe and the bottom of road sub-bases, topsoil, or other improved surface treatments. Said material shall be used for the full depth of trench where the ground is unimproved.

C. The Contractor shall furnish and install backfill and bedding materials in accordance with the details on the Drawings and this Section 02205: Earthwork for Pipelines. Backfill and bedding shall be in accordance with the Domestic Wastewater Facilities Manual, Section 25.83.

D. Backfilling may be done with power equipment. No backfill machine shall be used unless a sufficient number of men are employed to spread the backfill in the layers as specified.

Thoroughly tamp same before the next layer is applied.

E. Whenever the trenches have not been properly filled or if settlement occurs, they shall be refilled, compacted, smoothed off, and finally made to conform to the surface of the ground.

F. Unsatisfactory trench settlements occurring within one year after completion of the Work shall be the responsibility of the Contractor at no extra cost to the Owner. Particular care shall be exercised by the Contractor in backfilling trenches located along or crossing streets, street berms, roadways, parking areas, and other traveled ways, such that the resumption of normal traffic patterns will occur reasonably soon after the pipe in those areas has been installed.

3.13 COMPACTION

A. Material compaction shall be closely controlled during construction to provide minimum densities required for specific use classifications.

B. Compaction shall not be less than the following percentages of maximum density for soils which exhibit a well-defined moisture-density relationship, as determined in accord with ASTM D1557, and not less than the following percentages of relative density for soils which will not exhibit a well-defined moisture- density relationship, as determined in accord with ASTM DO4253-83.

1. Backfilling and Bedding of all Pipe Trenches - Compact subgrade and each layer of backfill or bedding material to 95 percent (95%) maximum density or 90 percent (90%) relative density.

C. The achievement of proper compaction and density for backfill/ bedding materials shall generally be a visual determination by the Engineer in the field. However, the Engineer reserves the exclusive right to request field determination of density during any phase of the backfill and bedding operation and as may be required by governing agencies (PennDOT, municipality, etc.) having jurisdiction in the project area. Such field density determinations shall be performed by an independent soils laboratory as specified herein

West Branch Regional Authority 02205-14 January 2026 and at no additional cost to the Owner, regardless of the frequency or duration of said tests.

D. In the event that any in-place density test fails (i.e., does not indicate compaction meeting the minimum density requirement), the Engineer shall require additional testing and inspections by the soil engineering and testing laboratory to substantiate conditions. The costs for additional testing and inspections shall be borne entirely by the Contractor. If the additional testing and inspections indicate unsatisfactory conditions, the Contractor shall make all corrections and modifications to the methods, materials, moisture content, etc.

used in placing and compacting the backfill or embankment.

E. The soils engineering and testing laboratory shall be directly responsible to the Engineer, to whom the laboratory must promptly, faithfully, and accurately report the results of its tests and inspections. The laboratory must also work in coordination with the Contractor, making all tests and inspections required by the Engineer or Specifications. Reports must clearly state whether or not the tests and inspections indicate conditions that are in compliance with the Specifications.

3.14 TUNNELLING

A. Prior to undertaking any tunneling, the Contractor shall have a Professional Engineer, licensed to practice in Pennsylvania, prepare a design and outline the proposed tunneling procedures to be followed. Said engineer shall also provide a certification signed and sealed by him that the design for tunneling conforms to applicable requirements of the Construction Safety Code of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. A copy of this certification shall be furnished to the Engineer before beginning the tunneling.

B. Tunneling shall be limited to these areas depicted on the Drawings or approved by the

Engineer.

3.15 DISPOSAL OF UNSUITABLE OR EXCESS MATERIAL

A. All materials from excavations not suitable or needed for embankment or backfill shall become the property of the Contractor and shall be removed from the project site. If the Contractor fails to promptly remove this surplus or unsuitable material, the Owner may have the material removed and charge the cost thereof as money paid to the Contractor.

B. In streets, roads and highways or in any other locations where working space is limited, the Contractor shall remove the excavated materials from the first 100-feet of any opening, when required by the Engineer, as soon as such is excavated; store and return same for backfilling when required, at no expense to the Owner. In no case will the Contractor be allowed to cast excavated material beyond the curb or right-of-way lines or on sidewalks or lawns.

C. Where more material is excavated from trenches than can be backfilled or stored on the street or within right-of-way limits, leaving space for traffic and drainage, the Contractor

West Branch Regional Authority 02205-15 January 2026 shall remove and store excess material and return some for backfilling when required, at no expense to the Owner.

3.16 DEWATERING

A. The Contractor shall at all times when necessary, or when so directed by the Engineer, provide and maintain in operation suitable and adequate pumping equipment or well points to dewater excavations in such a manner as to permit successful installation and maintenance of the proposed pipelines.

B. The Contractor shall at all times have at the Project site sufficient dewatering plant or equipment ready for immediate use.

3.17 EQUIPMENT

A. The Contractor may use any type of earth-moving equipment he may desire or has at his disposal, provided the equipment conforms with the requirements set forth in Section

108.05 of PennDOT Publication 408 and meets the qualifications necessary for the proper execution of the work.

B. The Contractor shall furnish, operate, and maintain such equipment as is necessary to control uniform layers, section, and smoothness of grade for compaction and drainage.

3.18 CLEANUP

A. The Contractor shall surplus excavated material, rubbish and other construction debris and keep such removed to a point not more than two hundred (200) feet from head of the open trench, unless otherwise authorized by the Engineer.

B. After trenches and other excavations are refilled and the work completed, the Contractor shall remove surplus excavated materials, rubbish or such other materials from the work in such a manner as the Contractor may elect or provide, but subject to the Engineer's approval. The Contractor shall dispose of such materials off the site in a lawful manner at no additional expense to the Owner.

C. The Contractor shall evenly spread and leave in neat, smooth condition excavated material disposed of lawfully on public property.

D. The Contractor shall furnish and place topsoil, fertilize and seed grassed areas, both within and outside rights-of-way affected by construction. The Contractor shall reseed and refertilize areas that fail to show a uniform stand of grass. The Contractor shall water, mow, rake, weed and otherwise maintain grass until final acceptance of Contract.

E. The Contractor shall restore the area covered by both temporary and permanent rights-of-way over private property to as near the original conditions as is practical. The Contractor

West Branch Regional Authority 02205-16 January 2026 shall bring up to original grade, place topsoil, seed, replant or replace shrubbery, repair or replace walks, driveways, fences and other improvements, damaged or removed.

F. When the repaving over trenches and other excavations have been completed, the

Contractor shall sweep paved surfaces having been affected by the work using hand or power sweepers, and if required by the Engineer, flush with water to remove dust and small particles.

G. The Contractor shall assume responsibility for injury or damage resulting from lack of trench maintenance during the guarantee period. If trench surfaces are not satisfactorily maintained or repairs are not begun within seven (7) days after written notice from the Engineer during the guarantee period such repairs may be made by the Owner and the cost therefore charged against the Contractor.

PART 4 - TESTING

4.01 TESTING PROGRAM

A. The optimum moisture content and the maximum density of each type of material used for trench backfill shall be determined by "Tests for Moisture-Density Relations of Soils, Using 10 Pound Rammer and 18 Inch Drop" (ASTM D1557 or AASTHO-T180).

B. The field moisture content of materials being compacted shall be determined by either

"Laboratory Determination of Moisture Content of Soil" (ASTM D2216) or "Moisture Content of Soil and Soil-Aggregates in Place by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth)" (ASTM D3017). The field density of compacted material shall be determined by either "Test for Density of Soil in Place by the Sand-Cone Method" (ASTM D1556) or "Density of Soil and Soil-Aggregates in Place by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth)" (ASTM D2922).

C. A soils engineering and testing laboratory shall perform sufficient tests and inspection procedures, both in the laboratory and field, to ensure that the provisions of this Specification are met. The Engineer shall determine the minimum number, locations, and times of testing and inspection procedures performed and shall select the engineering and testing laboratory to be used by the Contractor. Reports of all testing and inspection shall be immediately typed and delivered to the Contractor and Engineer. All costs associated with the required testing and inspection, including the cost of the engineering and testing laboratory, shall be paid by the Contractor as part of the bid price for the Contract.

D. After testing and inspection are completed for a particular subgrade and the respective laboratory reports are reviewed and approved by the Engineer, the subgrade shall be examined in the field by the Engineer prior to authorization of subsequent construction.

E. In the event that any in-place density test fails (i.e., does not indicate compaction meeting minimum density requirement), the Engineer shall require additional testing and inspections by the soil engineering and testing laboratory to substantiate conditions. If the

West Branch Regional Authority 02205-17 January 2026 additional testing and inspections indicate unsatisfactory conditions, the Contractor shall make all corrections and modifications to the methods, materials, moisture content, etc.

used in placing and compacting the backfill or embankment. The Contractor is responsible for the costs for engineering and testing laboratory services as part of the bid price for the Contract.

F. The soils engineering and testing laboratory shall be directly responsible to the Engineer, to whom the laboratory must promptly, faithfully, and accurately report the results of its tests and inspections. The laboratory must also work in coordination with the Contractor, making all tests and inspections required by the Specifications. Reports must clearly state whether or not the tests and inspections indicate conditions that are in compliance with the Specifications.