Catch Basin Cleaning.doc

SEWER LINE, CATCH BASIN CLEANING

SCOPE OF WORK:

a. The Contractor shall provide all labor, materials, equipment, and incidentals necessary to perform the cleaning of sewer lines and catch basins as specified in this specification and performed in accordance within all OSHA safety standards and regulations. Sewer line cleaning shall include post-cleaning inspection to assure satisfactory results.

b. The intent of sewer line, catch basin cleaning is to remove all sludge, dirt, sand, rocks, grease, and other solids or semisolid material from the pipe or catch basin so that defects are not obscured and to allow the water level to drop so that defects are visible. The pipe, catch basin and interior shall be clean enough to allow viewing of the entire area during inspection. Since the success of the other phases of work depends a great deal on the cleanliness of the lines and catch basins, the importance of this phase of the operation is emphasized.

c. Preparatory cleaning shall be performed prior to sewer catch basin inspections. This preparatory cleaning shall include the use of hydraulic cleaning equipment and Vacuum Trucks to remove sludge, dirt, grease, etc. from the interior walls and benches of the catch basin so that defects are visible. Preparatory cleaning of sewer catch basins shall be incidental to the catch basin inspection.

d. Cleaning of catch basins shall include entire catch basin interior, including catch basin benches and walls. It also includes removal of all foreign object or debris from the catch basins which shall be removed either manually or mechanically.

e. Cleaning shall include the use of hydraulic cleaning equipment and Vacuum Trucks to remove sludge, dirt, grease, etc. from the interior walls and bottoms of the catch basin. Incorporate into line cleaning operation by scouring walls with high velocity nozzle after pipe segment cleaning operation is complete. It also includes removal of all foreign object or debris from the catch basins which shall be removed either manually or mechanically.

ACCEPTABLE METHODS:

a. Sewer line cleaning shall be performed by electronically or manually operated, directly or remotely controlled, mechanically or hydraulically propelled cleaning equipment as described in this specification. Normal line cleaning shall be performed by high velocity water jetting or movable dam used to loosen and transmit material for extraction. Heavy line cleaning shall be performed by mechanical equipment when water jetting is unsuccessful.

LIMITATIONS:

a. Satisfactory precautions shall be taken to protect the sewer lines from damage that might be inflicted by improper use of the cleaning equipment. Whenever hydraulically propelled cleaning tools that depend upon water pressure to provide their cleaning force, or any tools that retard the flow of water in the sewer line, are used, precautions shall be taken to ensure that the water does not cause damage or flooding to public or private property.

b. No fire hydrant shall be obstructed or used when there is a fire in the area.

c. Contractor shall remove the water meter(s)/piping, etc. from all fire hydrants at the end of each working day.

SEWER CLEANING:

a. Sewer line sections shall be cleaned using mechanically powered, hydraulically propelled, or high velocity sewer cleaning equipment. The equipment selected for cleaning shall be capable of removing dirt, grease, rocks, sand, sticks, branches, leaves and other deleterious materials and obstructions from the sewer lines and catch basins. If cleaning of an entire section cannot be successfully performed from one catch basin, the equipment shall be re-setup at the catch basin on the opposite end of the pipe segment being cleaned and cleaning shall be re-attempted.

b. Water for sewer cleaning shall be obtained at locations in accordance with the utility owner, as directed. If the water is obtained from a potable supply, appropriate backflow prevention devices shall be provided to protect the potable system from cross connections and contamination. Contractor shall be solely responsible for preventing cross contamination of any public or private water systems used for this purpose.

c. During all sewer-cleaning operations, satisfactory precautions shall be taken to protect the sewer lines from damage that might be inflicted by the improper use of cleaning equipment. Whenever hydraulically propelled cleaning tools or tools which retard the flow in the sewer line are used, precautions shall be taken to ensure that the water pressure created does not cause any damage or flooding to public or private property.

d. When additional water from fire hydrants is necessary to avoid delay in normal working procedures, the water shall be conserved and not used unnecessarily. No fire hydrant shall be obstructed in case of a fire in the area nor shall a hydrant be used for the purpose described unless an appropriate backflow preventer is provided.

e. Contractor will be solely responsible and held liable for any claims or damages arising from any action or lack of action arising from reckless, negligent, or careless behavior.

f. The retrieval of equipment lodged in pipes or a catch basin is the Contractor’s responsibility and will be performed at the Contractor’s expense.

CLEANING EQUIPMENT:

Regular Sewer Line Cleaning:

a. High Velocity Jet (Hydro-Cleaning) Equipment: All high velocity sewers cleaning equipment shall be designed for ease and safety of operation. The equipment shall have a selection of two or more high velocity nozzles. The nozzles shall be capable of producing a scouring action from 15 degrees to 45 degrees in all sizes designated to be cleaned. Cleaning shall be accomplished by using a pump capable of delivering water from 800 to 1500 psi to the self-propelled nozzles. Equipment shall also include a high velocity gun for washing and scouring catch basin walls and floor. The gun shall be capable of producing flows from a fine spray to a solid stream. The equipment shall carry its own water tank, auxiliary engines, pumps, and hydraulically driven hose reel.

Heavy Sewer Catch basin Cleaning:

a. Cleaning equipment that uses a high velocity water jet for moving debris shall be capable of producing a minimum volume of 50 GPM with a pressure of 3500 PSI for the catch basin structure at the pump. Any variations to this pumping rate must be approved, in advance, by the Engineer. The Contractor shall operate the equipment so that the pressurized nozzle continues to move at all times. The pressurized nozzle shall be turned off or reduced anytime the hose is held or delayed in order to prevent damage to the catch basin.

b. Contractor shall remove foreign objects or debris from catch basin by manual or mechanical means.

MATERIAL REMOVAL:

a. All sludge, dirt, sand, rocks, grease, and other solid or semi-solid material resulting from the cleaning operation shall be removed at the downstream catch basin of the section being cleaned. Passing material from one sewer line section to another sewer line section or from catch basin section shall not be permitted except when using high velocity jet equipment. The maximum limit before material is removed will be approximately 600 feet.

DISPOSAL OF MATERIAL:

a. All debris, solids or semi-solids resulting from the cleaning operations shall be removed from the site and disposed of at an area provided by the customer.

INSPECTION: Inspection of all cleaning operations will be made on a daily basis and to the customer’s satisfaction.