Project Background
The Carmel Area Wastewater District (CAWD) is finalizing plans to replace aging wastewater infrastructure in portions of the City and the County, enhancing the long-term reliability of the wastewater system. The project will replace approximately 10,561 linear feet (about 2.0 miles) of existing sewer mains, with the installation of new pipelines. These improvements are aimed at replacing outdated infrastructure, not increasing the system's overall conveyance capacity. CAWD has applied for a permanent City Encroachment Permit (Attachment 1) to proceed with construction in Fall 2025.
As detailed in Attachment 2, the project will take place along Scenic Road, from Ocean Avenue to Santa Lucia, within the City limits. It includes the replacement of approximately 0.9 miles of existing gravity sewer main. The project alignment is entirely located within the roadway right-of-way and CAWD easement along Scenic Road, bordered by single-family residences to the east and Carmel Beach to the west. A small section (approximately 150 linear feet) of the project will extend onto Santa Lucia.
The project will replace the existing 8-inch gravity sewer main using two construction methods:
1. Pipe bursting, where the existing pipe is expanded or broken in place, and a new pipe liner is inserted - resulting in minimal surface disturbance.
2. Traditional open trench excavation, which involves cutting, removing, and replacing the pipe. Launching and receiving pits will be excavated at both ends of the pipe.
Throughout the alignment, there are existing sewer laterals that connect residential properties to the sewer main. A total of 235 lateral reconnections will be made where sewer line replacement occurs. The sewer will be installed at the same depth and alignment, continuing to serve residential properties.
This project is part of CAWD's broader infrastructure upgrade program, which aims to replace aging infrastructure and ensure a more reliable sewer system for its customers. Upon completion of the pipeline installation, the streets will be resurfaced with a micro-surfacing treatment at no cost to the City.
Project Benefits
- Replace sewer mains that are over 75 years old and deteriorating
- Reduce the risk of sewage leaks and spills
- Improve the long-term reliability of the sewer system
- Install new private service lateral "wye" connections to the mainline sewer
Project Status
CAWD is in the final stages of completing the design plans, technical specifications, and bidding documents for the project. After a public bidding process, a contractor is expected to be selected by Summer 2025, with construction scheduled to begin in early Fall 2025. Construction is anticipated to take approximately nine months to complete.
Public Works staff, including the Director, Project Manager, Superintendent, and City Forester, have reviewed the project plans to assess construction impacts on the City. The Community Planning and Building Department has reviewed the design for code compliance. The traffic control plans will be reviewed and approved by the City's Police Department and Public Works staff. Additionally, no trees will be impacted by this project.
Special Conditions of Approval:
To minimize impacts to the community before, during, and after construction, Public Works has developed over 50 Special Conditions of Approval for the Encroachment Permit. These conditions were negotiated with and accepted by CAWD. A list of the conditions can be found in Attachment 3. Key conditions include:
- Provide $5 million in general liability insurance coverage
- Provide public notices and signage with a 24/7 hotline for concerns
- Coordinate with Police, Fire, GreenWaste, and other relevant entities
- Adhere to approved traffic control plans
- Provide detours around active construction zones
- Ensure local resident ingress and egress at all times
- Provide updated construction schedules to the City
- Coordinate with the City on potential construction shutdowns during special events
- Reconstruct any damage to private and public property
CAWD and their engineering consultant, MNS, will manage construction and oversee the contractor. Public Works will ensure adherence to the approved traffic control plans, inspect street restoration work, and ensure compliance with the Conditions of Approval. The Directors of Public Works and Public Safety have the authority to halt the project immediately should significant safety concerns arise.
At the March 3, 2025 City Council meeting, Patrick Treanor, P.E., CAWD's District Engineer, will present an overview of the project, anticipated construction impacts, and key mitigation measures.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Planning Commission adopted Resolution 2024-073-PC on September 11, 2024, approving the Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Scenic Road Pipeline Replacement Project, as prepared by the Lead Agency, Carmel Area Wastewater District. Additionally, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution 2024-074-PC on September 11, 2024, approving Coastal Development Permit 24149 for the replacement of the existing sewer mains within the Scenic Road right-of-way between Ocean and Martin Way.