WORKSHOP ITEM - Robert Therres, Public Services Manager
Title
INITIATE A WATER MAIN MAINTENANCE PROGRAM KNOWN AS ICE PIGGING
Background
The Utilities Department is looking to do some preventive maintenance on our older water mains to extend their useful life. The process that we would like to pursue is called “Ice Pigging”, where slurry of ice and water is pushed through the water main scouring the deposits and build-up on the interior of the water main then flushing it out through our hydrants. Ice Pigging is less intrusive and less expensive than traditional cleaning methods.
It is a relatively new technology and the company that invented the technology has issued only one franchisee in the United States, so it is a single source contract and staff wanted to get the City Council’s feedback on proceeding with this work.
It is proposed to be a $100,000 per year over a five-year period for a total of $500,000. Funds have been budgeted in the Water Fund to do this type of work.
Staff will have a short video available at the meeting to show how this process works.
Recommendation
Provide feedback on City Council’s comfort level for doing this work as a single source based on only one firm in the Country offering this product.