Rural Water Development PER

[cmm1080]

I am taking on my first rural water development project. The water district is aware that this is new to me, so no problems there. The system is in need of an additional well with a storage tank. The first thing I must do is compile a Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) along with an Environmental Report (ER) for the water distribution system. However, I have little information and very little experience to work with. Can anyone direct me to a published PER/ER for this type of work. I'm just looking for a go-by...

Thanks in advance.

 

[bimr]

Go to the "Recommended Standards for Water Works".

There is an outline in there for preparing a Facility Plan that must be submitted to the State Water Board where your project is to be located. You have to prepare the Facility Plan before you start design of your project.

 

[cvg]

better yet, call the state water board and ask them for help

 

[semo]

I'm assuming you mean a USDA Rural Development funded project.

If so, you can go to the following site for some of their requirements:

http://www.usda.gov/rus/water/regs-bulletins.htm

The fourth item down is what they expect to see in the PER. The last item is what they expect in the environmental report.

Your local USDA office can probably help as well. You will have to start correspondence with them anyway if they are funding the project. There are a lot more items to cover than just the PER and ER.

 

[jartgo]

As Semo stated, I too assume you are speaking of USDA rural development. The RUS bulletins spell out what is required...I believe it's RUS 1780 that covers PERs for water projects.

 

[cmm1080]

I appreciate the advice. I don't want to come across as lazy, but I am looking for direction to a PER for a project which has been completed. I just want something to look at in order to help me with the format as well as the content. I have found a few PERs on the internet for roadway projects but none relating to water facilities.

I understand that everyone's time and work is very valuable... I'm not asking to see your work... only if you know off the top of your head a link or article which can refer me to a good go-by.

Thanks.

 

[semo]

I don't know of any that are on line. Some of what they want to see is determined by your states USDA Engineer. I don't want to sound unhelpful, but; the Bulletin 1780 mentioned above basically gives the outline for what they want to see:

1. General Info and Scope
2. Project Planning Area
3. Existing Facilities
4. Need for Project
etc.
etc.

All you need to do is make these the sections of your report and then fill in the information for each of these sections. The bulletin also describes what info they want to see. Such as #3 what facilities does the existing system have (wells, tanks, line sizes, length of lines, # customers, booster stations, special valves, etc.) then describe them in further detail (well depth, type, capacity - tank height, volume, etc.) Then describe what your needs are - why do they want to do this project, back it up with their needs (not enough water supply/storage, new customers for unserved area, etc.) Then outline your options with their costs and make a recommendation.

Hope this helps.

 

[cmm1080]

Thanks Semo... this will definitely get me started down the right path. Have a good one.