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Aggregate Industries-WCR, Inc. <br /> TETRA TECH January 11, 2017 <br /> Page 2 <br /> Given that Al's reclamation was in compliance with the permit raises the question,why did the breach occur <br /> where it did? Our review of the aerial photography available from Google Earth indicated that the breach <br /> occurred just east of a small pond. Review of the 2011 Ditch Improvements design drawings indicates that <br /> a 15-inch diametercorrugated metal culvert(CMP)was present in the area of the breach. The culvert likely <br /> acted as an overflow/spillway for the pond. The design called for the removal and reinstallation of the <br /> culvert. The 2011 Ditch Improvements also called for the placement of fill in the area of the 2013 breach, <br /> see sheet 4. The specification for the backfill was a non-plastic material that would be highly susceptible <br /> to erosion. <br /> In our review of the 2011 Ditch Improvements design we noticed that the design called for 48-inch diameter <br /> SDR 35 PVC pipe. This is a pipe that is used for gravity flow sewers. The design of the 2011 Ditch <br /> Improvements is an inverted siphon pipeline, a pressure pipe design, not gravity. Our field observation and <br /> photographs of the failed pipe revealed that the as built pipe is actually a corrugated plastic pipe, trade <br /> name Duramax. This pipe is also gravity sewer pipe not intended for use in pressure applications.All pipes <br /> of this size, regardless of gravity or pressure conditions, should have joint restraint, thrust blocks and be <br /> properly backfilled. Those details are not provided in the 2011 Improvements Design document available <br /> to us. The actual pipe installed if not properly backfilled and joint restrained would be susceptible to leakage <br /> at the joints that can lead to erosion around the pipe and subsequent settlement above the pipe. The <br /> leakage condition was observed by DRMS during the DRMS inspection. See page 2 of 7 the last paragraph <br /> second sentence. "The pipeline was not operational at the time of the inspection due to leaking joints in the <br /> pipeline." <br /> In summary, we believe Al is in compliance with their permit. The origin of the 2013 erosion that led to the <br /> breach and damage to the pipeline, could have been caused by three modes of failure: 1. Simple sheet <br /> flow down the reclamation slope, 2. Leaky joints In the 48-inch inverted siphon that resulted in settlement <br /> above the pipeline, or 3. The removal of the 15-inch CMP that resulted in uncontrolled overtopping of the <br /> reclamation slope. <br /> We recommend that the design of the 48-inch inverted siphon be reviewed to insure the integrity of the <br /> pipeline and protection of reclamation slope. The reclamation slope in the area of the breech should be <br /> armored to protect from future floods. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> TETRA TECH <br /> By <br /> L <br /> By- <br /> Tom Hesemann P.G., C.E.G William J Rapp III, P. . <br /> SVP, Water, Energy& Infrastructure Eng. Project Mgr. II Civil P.M. <br /> P\23514\133-23514-17001\Docs\Reports\AI F Street DR MS WWE Response 2017 01 06 RevA <br />