FPUD approves change order for Olive Hill valve replacements

Joe Naiman

Village News Reporter

The contract the Fallbrook Public Utility District awarded to Chi Construction to replace the air and vacuum valves and mainline drains on Olive Hill Road warranted a change order, and that change order was approved by the FPUD board July 25.

The board’s 5-0 vote authorized an additional $68,904.71 to the contract, changing the total contract amount to $180,904.71 from the original $112,000.00.

“The excavation ended up much bigger than anticipated,” said FPUD senior engineer Aaron Cook.

The air and vacuum valves and mainline drains on Olive Hill Road and Winter Haven Road were selected for replacement due to their age which exceeded the expected service life for that equipment. The valve and drain assemblies were also in buried vaults, which made access difficult. The project removed the vaults and installed the new valves and drains to current standards which will make access and maintenance easier.

“We’ll be able to isolate some sections,” Cook said.

In October 2021, FPUD’s board awarded the contract to Chi Construction, whose headquarters office is in Anaheim. During the construction process significant groundwater was encountered at two locations, which required additional excavation, dewatering, and paving. The additional $68,904.71 compensates Chi Construction for the additional time and materials.