San Diego - The City of San Diego Water Department today announced that the San Diego Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) selected three Water Department Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) as “2002 Awards of Excellence” winners. The City’s Bayview Reservoir Replacement Project, the Mid-City Pipeline Project and the Waring Road Pump Station Project all received recognition plaques at the May 31 Annual Civil Engineering Awards Banquet.

“Our staff, design consultants and contractors generated an outstanding combination of teamwork and enthusiasm that allowed us to complete these award-winning projects,” said Water Department Director Larry Gardner. “These were three dynamic CIP projects that were all under construction at the same time and are truly memorable successes,” Gardner stated.

The Bayview Reservoir Project consisted of replacing the fifty-year-old original structure with a new reservoir including associated piping, drainage, landscaping and irrigation. The new structure includes advanced remote-control operation systems and seismic-valve measures. Located near Soledad Mountain Road and Coral Reef Avenue, the reservoir provides a more reliable water source for the La Jolla, Pacific Beach and Mount Soledad communities.

A six-mile water pipeline replacement project along the busy El Cajon Boulevard corridor was also recognized and is known as the Mid-City Pipeline Project. It extends from Cherokee Avenue in the west to 70th Street in the east. This recent project provides a backup water source to the densely populated commercial district. Most of the work on this 16-48 inch line was completed at night to reduce traffic and local business concerns.

Kearny Mesa area residents are now benefiting from the Water Department’s third ASCE-winning project. The Waring Road Water Pump Station, located immediately off of Interstate 8 and Waring Road, replaced the aging Alvarado Water Pump Plant. In addition to the facility’s increased performance and remote-control operations, the new facility blends in well with the surrounding community. The Allied Gardens Community Council provided input on the design to blend in with the distinctive look of the Allied Gardens community.

Moffatt & Nichol Engineers and Pro Contracting Corporation constructed the Bayview project. PBS& J and PCL Civil Constructors, Inc. worked together on the Mid-City Project and Hirsch & Company worked along with TC Construction Company on the Waring Road Project.

All three projects are part of the City of San Diego Water Department’s citywide Capital Improvements Program. Water infrastructure improvements (replacements, upgrades and expansions) are underway throughout the City’s water system, including pipelines, water pump stations, reservoirs and treatment plants. These improvements will help ensure a safe and reliable water supply, protecting the region’s job base, environment and overall quality of life for future generations.

Additional information about other important infrastructure projects can also be found online at www.sandiego.gov/water. Or, contact the Capital Improvements Public Information Line at 619-533-4679 for additional details.