Pipeline repair to cost $2M
By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser Health Writer
City engineers estimate it will cost more than $2 million to fix the pipe responsible for a 2 million-gallon sewage spill discovered March 4 at Sand Island state recreation area.
Advertiser library photo
Eldon Franklin, chief of the wastewater division of the city Department of Design and Construction, said the cost of repairing the massive leak will be at least $2.1 million, plus yet-to-be-finalized consultant fees. If all goes well, repairs could be completed by April 20, he said.
Work on the sewage pipeline leak at Sand Island state recreation area is expected to be completed by April 20. Until then, the state park will remain closed.
"It's not going to be cheap," Franklin said Friday.
The park remains closed to the public until the repairs are complete. The park falls under the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. DLNR spokeswoman Deborah Ward said she expects the state Department of Health to inspect the park after repairs are complete to determine that the area is safe.
"We are getting calls," Ward said. "It's just not ready for the public."
Glenn Yoshimura said he hopes the repair work will be done soon so the park can be re-opened. "I usually go to fish," the Mililani resident said. "Normally, about once or twice a month."
Until the park is re-opened, he'll head for the North Shore to catch squid and reef fish.
Franklin said the replacement pipe is being fabricated locally — a half-inch-thick steel pipe about 30 feet long with an expansion joint in the middle.
In addition, a half-inch steel plate will be added to the bottom of the pipe to help fight corrosion.
He said excavation should begin by April 6.
A commercial diver from Sea Engineering Inc. headed back into the pipe yesterday to make temporary repairs and continue the inspection, Franklin said.
He said the park pavilion where the sewage first bubbled up will be replaced. It may be rebuilt away from the major sewer line, he said.
In addition, the city will use another corrosion prevention technique, running electric current through the line as part of a cathodic protection system.
Reach Robbie Dingeman at rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2429.
