posted February 4, 2010
) Photo by Kim Dalton |
The project will replace water pipes dating to the early 1920s.
“The new water mains will enhance service reliability, water pressure, fire protection and allow for continued growth in both Lookout Mountain, Tennessee and Georgia,” said John Watson, president, Tennessee American Water.
Perhaps the most unique aspect to this project is what will be used during the construction, officials said. The bluff where the construction will take place is
vertical in some places. The challenging terrain and elevation will
require the use of mules to carry equipment, zip lines to transport tools and materials, and a 240-ton truck crane to lift pipes and rock climbing equipment for construction workers.
“This is not your garden variety pipeline construction project,” said
Mr. Watson. “Because much of the work occurs on United States National Park Service (USNPS) land, we had to take great pains to be sure the existing hiking trails remained unimpeded by the water line so a wooded pedestrian bridge will be constructed over a portion of the water main.”
The Lookout Mountain project will replace 1,000 feet of 8-inch and 12-inch welded steel water main positioned vertically on the east brow of Lookout Mountain. The main has been in service for about 90 years and is the sole water supply for the residents of Lookout Mountain in both Tennessee and Georgia
“Over the years this main has been damaged by occasional rock slides and
normal shifts and changes to the hard-to-reach bluffs and terrain resulting from weather,” said Mr. Watson.
The water mains will be replaced with two 12-inch steel and 12-inch ductile
iron water mains. The higher pressure and aerial portion of the project will use steel pipe, while the underground portions of the project will use ductile iron.
Tennessee American Water expects to complete the project in May. During
the project some customers may experience temporary service interruptions such as discolored water and/or lower-than-normal water pressure, officials said.
Mr. Watson said, "Tennessee American Water appreciates residents being patient while this work is occurring. Crews will work as quickly as possible to minimize
these temporary interruptions."
He added, "Tennessee American Water is committed to making continued investment in its water system. In the last 15 years the company has invested more than $115 million in improvements and upgrades to respond to growth and new federal and state regulations for water quality. Yet, water still costs less than a penny a gallon.
“These regular, annual investments are necessary to maintain the
high-quality, reliable service our customers have come to expect and to
position the community for economic growth.”
) Photo by Kim Dalton |
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