DATE: October 22, 2025
TO: Council Infrastructure and Airport Committee
FROM: Director of Public Works
SUBJECT: Review and Recommendation: Sewer Rehabilitation Project on Hesperian Boulevard
RECOMMENDATION
That the Council Infrastructure and Airport Committee (CIAC) reviews and provides feedback on the proposed sewer rehabilitation project on Hesperian Blvd and recommends it to the City Council for funding and approval.
SUMMARY
Staff proposes rehabilitating approximately 700 linear feet of 33-inch RCP sewer main on Hesperian Blvd using the trenchless cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) method to address structural deficiencies and extend the service life of the sewer. The project includes a localized excavation to repair a section of pipe with a visible void that was observed during closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspection. Both the CIPP installation and local repairs require full bypass pumping of sewer flows. Work will also include pre- and post-construction CCTV inspections, traffic control, and coordination with City field staff.
This project is categorically exempt from environmental review from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines, Section 15301, Class 1 – Existing Facilities.
This project has no impact on the General Fund or Measure C.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total estimated costs for the Hesperian Sewer Rehabilitation Project are as follows:
Project Tasks Cost
Construction Contract
CIPP, local repair, cleaning, bypass, traffic control, CCTV $905,000 Estimating Contingency (30%) $271,500
Administrative Change Order (10%) $117,650
Staff Time for In-House Services
(design, construction management, inspection) $ 55,850 Total $1,350,000
Appropriation of Funds
The adopted FY 2026 CIP does not have funds identified for the Hesperian Sewer Rehabilitation Project. However, the project is necessary to maintain service, protect public health, and prevent costly emergency repairs. Proactive CIPP rehabilitation reduces disruption, extends the pipe’s service life, and represents a cost-effective investment compared to reactive emergency work.
With CIAC support, staff will recommend that Council authorize the City Manager to appropriate funds from the Sewer System Replacement Fund (Fund 611) to fully fund the project in FY 2026. Sufficient enterprise fund balance is available to cover the necessary appropriation.
There will be no impact on the General Fund.
BACKGROUND
The 33-inch RCP sewer main on Hesperian Blvd was installed in 1952 and has been in continuous service for over 70 years. In June 2025, CCTV inspection was conducted on a 700-foot length of the sewer main on Hesperian Blvd between West A Street and Sueirro Street (spanning manholes 9368-09, 9368-10, and 9368-12). A void in the RCP sidewall, approximately 6 feet long, was observed just south of SSMH 9368-09, located in the crosswalk at the southwest corner of Hesperian Blvd and West A Street. The CCTV also showed various levels of pipe degradation along the sewer line, with the worst conditions just downstream from SSMH 9368-09. Due to the age and condition of the pipe, rehabilitation of the pipe should be performed with local repairs at the void section.
In recent years, structural concerns have been identified along this sewer line, including a sinkhole that formed on Hesperian Blvd in June 2024 on a downstream segment of 36-inch RCP sewer main near a manhole approximately 2,700 feet south of the project site. The failure was attributed to advanced deterioration and corrosion of the pipe, likely exacerbated by heavy external loading and cumulative construction-related impacts. The collapse caused backfill material to migrate into the damaged pipe section, creating a cavity in the ground and ultimately resulting in a sinkhole. Emergency repairs were performed to mitigate public safety risks and restore sewer service.
The approximate locations of the project site and the 2024 sinkhole are shown on the Google Maps image below.
DISCUSSION
Proposed Work and Justification
To address the identified deficiencies, staff proposes rehabilitating approximately 700 linear feet of 33-inch RCP sewer main on Hesperian Blvd using cured-in-place pipe (CIPP). This trenchless method installs a resin-impregnated liner within the existing pipe, creating a new structural pipe inside the old one. CIPP will restore structural integrity, extend service life, and minimize surface disruption compared to traditional open-cut replacement.
A localized excavation will be required to repair the section of pipe with the visible void. Full bypass pumping of the sewer flows along the pipe segment will be required during CIPP installation and local repairs. Additional work will include pre-cleaning of sewer main, pre- and post-construction CCTV inspections, traffic control measures, and coordination with City field staff for inspection and oversight.
Evaluation of Alternatives
Several trenchless options were considered, including CIPP, High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) sliplining, segmental sliplining, and spiral wound liners. Pipe bursting was not viable for the existing 33-inch RCP pipe. Among the options, CIPP was determined to be the more practical and cost-effective method, offering structural restoration with minimal surface disruption and a short installation timeline. Other methods would require larger pits, longer schedules, additional traffic control, or have limited City experience and contractor availability. CIPP has a proven track record in the City, having been successfully implemented on multiple projects over the past two decades. Discussions were held with qualified contractors, and a preliminary engineer’s estimate was prepared to support budgeting and scheduling.
Recommendation
Based on the urgency of repair, structural needs, and desire to minimize disruption, staff recommends the CIPP lining as the preferred trenchless method.
CEQA Exemption
The project qualifies for a categorical exemption of environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301, Class 1, which covers repair and maintenance of existing infrastructure with negligible or no expansion of use.
ECONOMIC IMPACT
Proactive maintenance and repair of aging utilities infrastructure is essential to maintain service, protect public health, and avoid costly emergency repairs. Rehabilitating the 700-foot-long segment of 33-inch RCP sewer main on Hesperian Blvd with trenchless CIPP technology addresses structural deficiencies before they escalate, reducing the risk of service interruptions, sinkholes, and damage to surrounding infrastructure. This approach represents a cost-effective investment in the long-term reliability and safety of the sewer system.
STRATEGIC ROADMAP
This agenda item supports the various goals of City Council’s Strategic Roadmap. The Hesperian Sewer Rehabilitation project will increase the reliability of the City’s sewer collection system, while supporting the goals of Council. Specifically, this item relates to the implementation of the following strategic objectives:
Invest in Infrastructure
Invest in City-owned facilities & property
Enhance local water supplies and wastewater systems
SUSTAINABILITY FEATURES
All project work is related to operations and maintenance of existing sewer infrastructure; therefore, no sustainability features are included.
PUBLIC CONTACT
The public will be informed about this project through standard City notification procedures, including coordination with nearby residents, businesses, and other stakeholders along Hesperian Blvd. Notifications will provide details on the construction schedule, traffic control measures, and any temporary construction-related impacts. The project will not result in any disruption of sewer service to community residents or businesses. Some impacts to traffic flow may occur; however, all work will be performed under an approved work zone traffic control plan to minimize inconvenience. The project will require an encroachment permit from the County for traffic control, and appropriate approvals and coordination will be obtained prior to construction. The City will also install signage in advance of construction and provide updates on the City website as appropriate. Contact information for City staff will be made available to address questions or concerns throughout the project duration.
NEXT STEPS
If the CIAC concurs, staff will present this item for Council review and approval.
The following schedule has been developed for this project, contingent upon Council approval.
Post RFQuote on OpenGov
October 24, 2025
Award Construction Contract
December 1, 2025
Staff Report/City Council Approval
December 16, 2025
Notice to Proceed
January 2026
Project Completion
March 2026
Prepared by: Steven Wolfe, Associate Civil Engineer
Zaheer Shaikh, Utilities Engineering Manager
Recommended by: Alex Ameri, Director of Public Works
Approved by:
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Jayanti Addleman, Interim City Manager