Elk Meadows Water Tank

The Elk Meadows Water District, located north of Huson, in Missoula County, was faced with water shortages, deteriorating wells, and inadequate storage. Steep terrain makes water delivery difficult to the 50 residences, requiring two booster stations and tanks at three levels. In 1997 the District embarked on master planning and funding applications to upgrade the system.

Stelling Engineers, Inc. concentrated on affordable improvements for the District, minimizing both capital and annual operating costs. During preparation of a Preliminary Engineering Report, alternatives to maximize water availability at least cost were emphasized. New alluvial wells along Six Mile Creek were designed to avoid loss of yield problems experienced with the prior wells. A new 100,000 gallon glass-lined Middle Storage Tank was designed to be expandable to 200,000 gallons as funding becomes available. Two existing storage tanks were reconditioned and moved to the Lower Tank location to increase storage at that location. New telemetry replaced old pressure controls, increasing system reliability and convenience.

Water master planning, design, and construction for:

• Two replacement wells
• Expanded water storage
• Upgraded booster pumps
• Central telemetry and controls
• Looping of water mains
• Water meters for all users

Federal Express Cargo Facility Utility Extensions

SEI provided design and construction administration for the water works to serve the new Federal Express Cargo Facility at the Great Falls International Airport in 1999.

Project Description:

• 4,546 LF 16” Watermain
• 2,700 LF 12” Watermain
• 3,627 LF 8” Sewermain

The 16-inch ductile iron line has connected into a fire pump located on the northerly side of the building. From there, a 12-inch CL200 C900 loop was installed around the building to provide fire flows to the hydrants around the facility. A valve and cap were installed on the 16-inch line to allow any future expansion to easily connect to the system.

One 8-inch CL200 C900 and one 6-inch CL200 C900 line were connected to the 12-inch CL200 C900 loop on the northerly side of the building. These lines provide fire flow for the building's internal fire suppression system. A 4-inch CL200 C900 line was installed to provide flow for the domestic and irrigation demand. The irrigation system and the internal fire suppression system were provided with backflow preventors to avoid cross-connections. The project was designed so any future expansion to the southwest of the proposed facility would be able to connect to the capped end of the 16-inch line.

City of Polson Water Main Replacement (MT 35)

The scope of this project was to replace and relocate the existing City of Polson water main that provides water to the south and east ends of Flathead Lake. Relocation was required because of the reconstruction of Highway MT 35 by the Montana Department of Transportation. The reconstruction of MT 35 included a new storm drain system and lower highway grades that required the relocation of the existing water main. The water main replacement project included 8,800 LF of 12-inch water main, 32 gate valves, 600 LF of new service lines, reconnection of water service for 48 residences with new curb stops and water meters, 6 fire hydrants, 4 air release vaults, and temporary water service.

SEI held a pre-design conference with the City to confirm the Scope of Work and needs for the project. Frequent coordination with the City was also required for collection of the engineering data necessary for design. Construction plans and specifications were included with the MDT administered roadway project. Interim construction cost estimates were prepared for both the 50% and 100% design reviews. Final plans were submitted to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) for review and approval prior to bidding.

SEI attended the Pre-Bid conference scheduled and held by MDT to provide answers to contractor’s questions during the bidding process.

SEI provided Contractor shop drawing review for equipment for conformance with the plans and specifications. SEI also conducted full-time inspection of the work to insure compliance to the MQ approved plans and specifications.

Montana Air National Guard

Design and construction administration of the reconstruction of the Entrance Road(s) to the Air National Guard including storm drainage, water main replacement, paving, curb and gutter, and complete new street named “Air Tower Drive.”