With the existing outfall pipe having reached the end of its service life, the Lakehaven Utility District Board of Commissioners approved a project to construct a new outfall.<br><br>The new line consisting of a 24-inch diameter, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe extending approximately 2,420 feet offshore to a terminus depth of approximately 400 feet below sea level.
In an effort to enhance water quality protection measures in the Redondo Beach and surrounding marine environment, the Lakehaven Utility District will sink $4.8 million into the upgrade of the Redondo Wastewater Treatment Plant outfall line. The outfall discharges treated wastewater effluent into the Puget Sound.
Construction began in July on a project to replace the existing Redondo Wastewater Treatment Plant marine outfall pipe, located near the southern end of the boardwalk along Redondo Beach Drive. The original marine outfall was constructed in 1963 and consists of a 30-inch diameter pipe extending approximately 1,030 feet offshore. The existing outfall line is approximately 123 feet below sea level at its terminus.
With the existing outfall pipe having reached the end of its service life, the Lakehaven Utility District Board of Commissioners approved a project to construct a new outfall.
The new line consisting of a 24-inch diameter, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe extending approximately 2,420 feet offshore to a terminus depth of approximately 400 feet below sea level.
The HDPE pipe has an expected service life of over 100 years, and will deliver treated wastewater from the Redondo Wastewater Treatment Plant nearly a quarter-mile farther than the terminus of the existing line and beyond the sensitive near-shore environment.
Extensive planning has been undertaken to minimize neighborhood and environmental impacts from the construction activities.
One of the mitigation measures implemented by the District is to schedule construction activities during optimal tidal cycles, while at the same time minimizing the amount of work taking place at night.
Construction is expected to be complete by early September.
The planning, permitting, design, and bidding costs for the project totaled approximately $1.8 million.
The construction costs, including construction management and inspection, are expected to run in the neighborhood of three million dollars.
Lakehaven Board President Ron Nowicki believes the money is well spent.
"This project is an investment by our ratepayers in necessary sewer system infrastructure and is also a significant contribution to the efforts to maintain the health of the Puget Sound," Nowicki said.
