just suggest a recommendation

Introduction This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state and proposed upgrades to the sewer system in Clearlake, California. The existing system, which includes 6277 service connections, over 1950 manholes, and more than 100 miles of collection piping, is in a state of disrepair due to its age, improper grading, and infiltration of tree roots. The poor condition of the sewer system has led to regular backups, environmental contamination, and safety concerns. The city of Clearlake’s sewer system is a part of the Southeast Regional Wastewater System, which extends far beyond Clearlake city limits. The Southeast Regional Wastewater System is managed by the Lake County Special Districts. According to Special Districts, “Portions of the collection system were constructed over 30 years ago when materials, construction techniques, and inspections were not as advanced and comprehensive as they are today. Due to the proximity to the lake and the seasonal high-water table, a significant amount of groundwater intrusion occurs within the system during the winter.” (Special Districts, n.d.) Clearlake’s sewer system is a critical component of the city’s infrastructure. However, the condition of the system is very poor. Regular backups often result in sewage spilling onto the streets and into the nearby lake, creating a safety concern and contaminating the environment. Several stretches of the systems lines are not properly graded, which has created low points in the lines where sewage stops flowing. Sewage that remains still becomes septic and produces harmful gases. Sulfur leaching into the sewer lines produces a strong gas that will interfere with a person’s ability to breathe. Gases in the sewer lines create a dangerous environment that could hinder routine maintenance and cleaning of lines. The sewer lines, many of which are old clay pipes, are infiltrated by tree roots, causing further blockages. Broken sewer lines consistently leak sewage into the ground, posing a significant environmental hazard. Rocks and hardened grease build up in the lines causing additional backups. And damaged manholes create safety issues for both workers and pedestrians. To prevent backups, workers at Lake County Special Districts are constantly cleaning the lines, a process that cost thousands of dollars each year. These workers are exposed to countless dangers daily, leading to a high turnover rate, with workers typically leaving after only six months to a year on the job. The current condition of the system is unacceptable. Urgent action is needed to improve the sewer system. Upgrading the system will alleviate the current issues and significantly improve the environment and safety of the community. Upgrades are needed to improve the condition of the system. These proposed upgrades were suggested by the superintendent, and lead operator of the southeast regional wastewater treatment plant. The old clay pipes must be replaced with modern pipes made from a more durable material like polyvinyl chloride (pvc). Replacing the old clay pipes will help tackle the issues of roots growing in the lines, and leakage. Many of these lines will need to be replaced, during the time of replacement a new grade can be set to ensure that the sewer will flow downhill, and that no low points will develop. Damaged manholes should also be repaired or replaced to eliminate safety hazards. Currently Special Districts is spraying the inside of the manholes with a polyurethane coating to prevent leakage of sewer and seepage of ground water, this was an experimental method of dealing with seepage and has yet to prove its effectiveness. Background In this section of the paper, we will review scholarly articles that discuss sewer pipe selection and replacement. The first article that we will review discusses sewer pipe selection. The four main types of sewer pipes are concrete, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), vitrified clay, and ductile iron and represent approximately 84% of the installed sewer pipe in the United States. The article “Life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) for selection of sewer pipe materials” identifies sustainable solutions for pipe replacement as well as looking at two different forms of life cycle sustainability assessments. The first LCSA is based on integrating emergy synthesis, which is an approach to measuring human activities that considers the indirect and direct contributions of ecological processes using equivalents of solar energy rather than monetary metrics to consider differences in quality of energy (Odum, 2020). The second LCSA is based on a conventional, multi-criteria decision-making technique, to integrate the results from environmental and economic analysis to and find the most sustainable solution over the sewer pipe life cycle. The article written by Akhtar, S., et. al. discussed the life cycle of a sewer pipe from the gathering of the materials it is made with to its final disposal over a hundred-year cycle. The paper looks at the life cycle assessment (LCA) and the life cycle cost (LCC) for each of the four types of sewer pipe as it makes its case for the best material. To use the emergy synthesis approach each component of the life cycle of each pipe must be quantified as shown in Appendix A. This process uses the solar emergy joule (seJ) and applies a value of seJ’s to each component. Once this unit of measurement is applied to each component the components for each type of pipe can be assembled. After this process is completed the number of solar emergy joules can be totaled for each type of pipe as shown in Appendix A. For the second LCSA analysis the AHP approach was used. The approach breaks down the problem into goals and criteria which are then evaluated and given weights and scores which are then combined to arrive at the most desirable product. For the LCA portion the goals of lowest global warming effect and lowest emissions what used. The LCC portion used the lowest initial cost, maintenance cost, repair cost, and replacement cost. From this point as in the previous LCSA analysis, the total weights and scores were added up and the product with the lowest score was selected as the best product for this approach. The study found that after the four types of sewer materials were analyzed that there was a clear winner. This material was rated number one in the first LCSA approach and rated second in the second approach. The paper reviews the difference between the two approaches and states that even though the material is second in the second approach a few minor changes to based on decision maker chooses could easily place the material as first for both LCSA approaches. The material that was ultimately chosen by the paper as the best material for the environment and for the economy is polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The second article that we will review is called “Life cycle assessment of construction and renovation of sewer systems using a detailed inventory tool” and reviews the replacement of sewer pipes. This article used a hypothetical instillation of sewer pipe over a 1km long run of pipe with different pipe materials, life spans, sizes, construction parameters, and disposal options. Most of the data used for this article was gathered through interviews with construction experts, databased, and cost logs for projects. The article by Morera, S., et. al., breaks the process of replacing sewer pipe into six phases. These phases are “ (1) the working area is cleaned; (2) the trench is excavated and underpinned; (3) the pipe is laid at the bottom of the trench above a layer of draining material; (4) the trench is backfilled with granite sand until 30 cm above the pipe and normal sand, which is taken from the same work place, or sand taken from elsewhere; (5) if there is a road on top of the trench, a layer of asphalt is included, and (6) the unused excavated soil is distributed around the working area or transported and deposited in a landfill” (Morera, S., 2016). The article then goes on to discuss different phases and approaches for renovating a sewer system and the different types of trenches that can be used and when each trench type should be used. In review of all these different approaches it is important to note that each approach has positive and negative economic and environmental impacts. The next step in this paper is to start the life cycle assessment. Each life cycle assessment is broken into four categories with are the goals and scope definition, inventory analysis, environmental impact assessment, and interpretation. The next step is to calculate each component of each type, size, method, etc. of a pipe and its instillation. Once calculated the environmental impact of each item and method was totaled. When looking at materials it was determined that High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is the best material to used due to its longlife span and low environmental impact. In reviewing the category of construction parameters, it was found that there was very little impact to the life cycle analysis for the hypothesized pipeline when conditions were changed. The analysis of the disposal of the material showed that the concrete pipe had the lowest impact by far as its only real cost is to bring the pipe to the landfill unlike the other pipe materials. In conclusion the article stated that the HDPE pipe is the best option to install, beating out PVC and Concrete Pipes. The article also states that the means and methods of construction change from project to project, and they have little impact on the LSA overall. Analysis The purpose of this analysis is to take findings from the various scholarly articles mentioned above and apply them to the context at hand, Clearlake’s sewer system upgrade. It aims to guide the selection of the best materials and methods for the job. The overarching goal of the project is to not only create an effective solution for the upgrade of Clearlake’s sewer system, but to do so in a fashion that will align with commonly accepted best practices for sustainability, cost-efficiency, and long-term system dependability. By considering relevant research with practical circumstances, this portion will develop a comprehensive strategy to minimize any environmental impacts, enhance safety in the area, and help to maintain the well-being of the residents of the Clearlake community. The possibility of using polyvinyl chloride, hereafter referred to as PVC, as a preferred material for sewer pipes aligns with the Clearlake upgrade proposal. This is backed up by various life cycle sustainability assessments (LCSA). PVC could serve as the ideal solution for the problem facing the community as it strikes an ideal balance between environmental impact and affordability. An environmentally friendly solution is of the utmost importance in this situation given the current sewer system’s deterioration, which has led to significant environmental disturbances. Further bolstering the case for the use of PVC, the emergy synthesis approach highlights the material’s comparatively low ecological footprint when compared to the likes of concrete, vitrified clay, and ductile iron. This perspective supports the proposal to replace the aging clay pipes with PVC, addressing many of the plant root infiltration and leakage issues present in the current system. Looking into life cycle costs (LCC) and environmental impacts helps to provide an informative view of the material’s long-term viability in this situation. For the Clearlake community, frequent maintenance requirements and resulting safety hazards stemming from the old hardware pose ongoing financial and physical risks. PVC could serve to mitigate these issues. Its durability and comparatively lower maintenance costs offer economic advantages as well as less frequent maintenance visits. Findings by Akhtar et al. (2015) highlight PVC’s costeffectiveness over its lifecycle. This effectiveness can be attributed to lower initial costs and reduced expenses for repairs and replacements. Conclusions made by Morera et al. (2016) provide insights into the complexities of sewer system upgrades. The research team came to these findings by use of a detailed inventory tool to assess construction and renovation impacts of such projects. During their work, they detailed a six-phase process of replacing sewer pipes (Morera et al., 2016). This process highlights the importance of considering environmental and economic impacts not only on the whole, but during each phase of development, from excavation to disposal. In the case of the Clearlake community proposal, adopting some of the best practices for sewer projects such as efficient trenching methods and material selection could serve to lessen the likelihood of negative impacts. The preference for high-density polyethylene, hereafter referred to as HDPE, in some applications could also be considered given its long lifespan and minimal environmental impact. This preference suggests a need for flexibility in material selection depending on specific requirements and field conditions. Although HDPE is a viable alternative to the proposed material given its superior strength, our team finds that the most suitable in this situation is likely the PVC given its better cost-effectiveness and lesser environmental impact while still maintaining good strength. Several factors have swayed our opinion in this direction. PVC exhibits proven stiffness, dimensional stability, excellent vapor barrier properties, cost-effectiveness when compared to similar materials, and maintenance ease (Patrick, 2005). Moreover, and more simply, PVC offers a better balance between performance and environmental impact than HDPE, all while also exhibiting a commendably small carbon footprint during construction and installation. The extensive documentation on use of PVC in situations similar to this reinforce our team’s confidence in the material’s viability for the residents of Clearlake. By considering PVC, we aim to ensure the long-term reliability of the community’s sewer infrastructure, reduce maintenance and operational costs, and minimize environmental impacts stemming from the system. Doing so will bring the proposed project into alignment with the team’s goals for a sustainable and efficient system upgrade. To summarize this analysis, the investigations conducted into PVC as a viable option for the proposed Clearlake sewer system upgrade are rooted in a wide array of scholarly research, environmental considerations, and acknowledgement of the practical needs of the local community. By using valuable information gathered by life cycle sustainability assessments and recognizing the inherent value of PVC as an ideal sewer pipe material in terms of durability, cost, and environmental impact, we have done our best to align our approach to this issue with the best practices in infrastructure development and sustainability of design in mind. If an adoption of PVC is in order, not only are the immediate concerns addressed and remedied, but furthermore, a precedent will be set for future projects to aim for long-term viability and a minimal ecological impact. Our focus remains on creating a resilient, safe, and environmentally responsible sewer system for the local residents that will endure long into the future. Recommendation Provide your recommendation and justification. Professional Ethics and Responsibilities: Discuss the professional responsibilities regarding sustainability issues and in making informed judgments and recommendations. Consider the impact of the decision (if any) in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts. In this section, we will discuss the professional ethics and responsibilities that need to be considered when replacing a town’s entire sewer system. The main consideration an engineer must decide is which solution will perform the task required to the maximum potential while taking into consideration every facet of the project. As discussed in the previous section, our recommendation on how the project is to be carried out looked into the feasibility of the sewer replacement, the economic benefits of choosing PVC over its counterparts, the scheduling and project management of a trenchless replacement, and the longevity of replacing the old clay pipe with a modern PVC piping system. The ethical side of this project must consider how replacing an entire town’s sewer system will affect the environment it is servicing. Environmental analysis for the selection of the materials used, the fashion in which the new pipe is installed, how construction will affect the operation of day-to-day life in the town will need to be considered, and the financial effects the new upgrade will have on a resident’s monthly or yearly expenses. – Figure depicting the 4 major categories of the sewer pipe selection process (Alsadi et. al., 2020). When looking at the four most commonly used sewer pipe options our team found that PVC had the smallest ecological impact in every department. When looking at the environmental impact of a material engineers need to look at four main factors. How is the material fabricated, how is the material installed, how does that material operate, and how does one dispose of the material once it has reached the end of its life (Alsadi et. al., 2020). Our research found that PVC has the lowest carbon footprint when it comes to the creation of the material itself. Studies have shown that PVC can have up to 35% less carbon emissions than any other pipe material, comparatively. In addition, we must consider what happens to the newly installed pipe when it reaches the end of its designed lifespan. Engineers in the past did not prioritize future considerations as much as they should have resulting in project such as a replace of a community’s entire sewer system. In the creation of PVC, engineers not only created a product that is efficient and sustainable to produce but can also easily be broken down and reused for future projects. This means that when the PVC is considered unfit to perform is given task contractors can remove the old pipe, replace it with new pipe, and recycle the old pipe to be used later. Also, another way to reduce the carbon footprint is to extend the material’s lifespan. PVC pipe has the unique characteristic of having the ability to be cleaned. Companies have created tools and methods that can “snake” through the PVC piping system to effectively clean out any clogs that may have been created. Thus, extending the life of the entire system. The next area to consider is how the pipe is installed and how the installation process affects the town’s everyday traffic and the ecological impact that will be caused by the construction. As we explained in our recommendations, the best way to repair the old system is through a trenchless replacement. Trenchless pipe replacement will cause the least amount of impact on both the daily traffic through the town as well as the local environment. In the selection of PVC trenchless installation, our team considered that Clearlake is home to many large evergreen trees that are vital to the local ecosystem. By choosing a trenchless installation we will avoid digging up any unnecessary tree roots leading to the least amount of damage possible. The final consideration for professional ethics and responsibilities is understanding how the new project could affect the expenses of the citizens using the newly refurbished system. Every engineering project costs money and when this project concerns a public entity it is the public that must pay for it. For projects, the size of this one, potentially costing tens if not hundreds of millions of dollars, the town is going to have to find money. For projects concerning a town’s sewer system, several government aid programs help assist small towns in acquiring the funds necessary to complete the project. The job of the engineer is to find a solution that meets the criteria of these grant programs and to ensure the community can accept these funds. An excellent source for this the through a site titled GrantWatch. Where local disadvantaged communities can apply for service grants that can help their projects. The engineer must assist the community shareholders in finding the most applicable grants for their projects. In conclusion, this section discusses the importance of professional ethics and the responsibilities of an engineer working on a sewer replacement project. We discussed the ecological impact of choosing a material that is low in carbon emissions for the fabrication, installation, and disposal of the material. We also discussed how engineers must ethically decide on a practice best suited for the daily traffic of the town as well as the financial strain that the project will have on the people of the town. Engineers must always choose a solution that is best suited for the client and community before thinking of the personal benefits. An engineer is to serve the community, not the self. References Akhtar, S., Reza, B., Hewage, K. et al. Life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) for selection of sewer pipe materials. Clean Techn Environ Policy 17, 973–992 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10098-014-0849-x Alsadi, A. A., & Matthews, J. C. (2020). Evaluation of carbon footprint of pipeline materials during installation, operation, and disposal phases. Journal of Pipeline Systems Engineering and Practice, 11(2), 04020005. https://ascelibrary.org/doi/abs Grants for Nonprofits, Businesses, and Individuals. https://www.grantwatch.com/ Mary Odum, originally published by A. P. W. D., Rebecca John, D. B., Tom Athanasiou, E., & Chris Smaje, S. F. F. (2020, December 15). Emergy: You spelled energy wrong!. resilience. https://www.resilience.org/stories/2013-01-21/emergy-you-spelled-energywrong Morera, S., Remy, C., Comas, J. et al. Life cycle assessment of construction and renovation of sewer systems using a detailed inventory tool. Int J Life Cycle Assess 21, 1121–1133 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-016-1078-9 Patrick, S. (2005). Practical guide to polyvinyl chloride. iSmithers Rapra Publishing. Southeast Regional Wastewater System. Southeast Regional Wastewater System | Lake County, CA. (n.d.). https://www.lakecountyca.gov/985/Southeast-Regional-Wastewater-System Appendix: A This information has been pulled from the “Life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) for selection of sewer pipe materials” article by Sharmin Akhtar et. al. and is placed here for ease of reference.

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