Corps works to protect Yuma Soldiers
By Jennie Ayala  Workers apply 3 inches of shotcrete along a steel reinforced slope to prevent erosion.
If left unchecked, the 50-year old facility may have posed serious health risks for those living on YPG in Yuma, Ariz. However, with federal funding and state support, the Army Corps of Engineers, through its contractor, Miramar Construction Company of Pomona, Calif., plans to complete the project by early next year.
Since June, construction crews have excavated and moved soil to create five ponds on the Main Administrative Area (MAA) of YPG. Previously, there were only two ponds on the site. The soil moved would cover the equivalent of 48 football fields. The process of creating the ponds requires tapping into the water source from the MAA and running a four-inch water line with a pump to the site in order to provide enough water for trucks to spray and compact the soil. The new facility will cover a total of 56 acres.
 12 inches of compacted soil is placed above a geomembrane (plastic) liner to prevent sewage seepage into native grounds.
“The Clean Water Act requirement says that raw sewage cannot be allowed to seep into the soil [because] this can cause potential groundwater contamination,” said Charles Basham, project engineer for the Corps’ Roadrunner Project Office in Yuma, Arizona. “A huge component of this sewage project is laying the liners in the ponds to prevent this from happening. The project will also protect ground water sources on and off the installation,” Basham said.  Outlet sewage pipes carry waste into one of five new ponds on YPG
"To have a successful project of this magnitude, it takes many hours of coordination between the owner (YPG), Corps of Engineers, Miramar Construction, Inc., our subcontractors and material suppliers," said John King, general manager, Miramar Construction, Inc. “We have been very fortunate to have worked with great people at all levels. Our project will be delivered on time, within budget and per plans and specifications.” The new treatment plant will last an additional 50 years. DPW will oversee maintenance upon its completion. |
