Development Authority of the North Country
Watertown, New York
EDR was contracted to perform study, design, and construction phase services for the replacement of 17 valves along the 20-inch water line that serves Fort Drum. Fort Drum’s water is supplied through an 11-mile, 20-inch water line that carries treated drinking water from the City of Watertown to Fort Drum. The water line was placed in service in 1988 and is currently operated by the Development Authority of the North Country (DANC). In addition to Fort Drum, the Towns of LeRay and Pamelia have tapped into the water line for their source of water. Due to the critical mission of Fort Drum, the water line needs to remain in service.
EDR developed an approach to install line stops and bypass piping at each valve replacement to be performed while maintaining service during the work. With New York State Department of Health approval, EDR was able to develop a design to allow for each valve to be installed and disinfected prior to returning to operation. This project allowed for an asset renewal program (valves) on critical infrastructure while maintaining service. This saved the Authority significant capital by avoiding the costs of obtaining water from other sources water to serve the public needs, as well as Fort Drum. The estimated cost for the project was $1.4M.