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ABCWUA Administrative Instruction #9

Additional requirements for protection of San Juan Chama Transmission Lines

The San Juan Chama (SJC) transmission lines are critical to the function of the surface water treatment plant. Due to the lines’ sizes and configuration, protection of the lines from damage or events that can interrupt their serviceability is paramount. The SJC transmission system does not possess the same degree of redundancy as the existing production and distribution system so any disruptions can have severe impacts on the surface water treatment plant operations and long-term water supply strategy. The SJC transmission lines vary in size from 30 inches up to 72 inches in diameter. They are the largest lines in the Albuquerque Metro water service area. Ground cover over the tops of these lines vary from 4 feet up to 13 feet or more.

Designers, engineers, and construction contractors are required to take additional precautions when work is planned around any of these lines to minimize any potential for damage.

Administrative Instruction No. 9 states that in addition to calling New Mexico One Call with the notice of intent to dig, the Water Authority also requires an application be filled out in advance of the project because of the importance of protecting these lines.

The Water Authority will only consider requests that are made one (1) month in advance of the scheduled/planned work. No work that requires either excavation directly underneath the SJC transmission lines or relocation of the lines will be permitted without written approval of the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority Field Division Manager.

For more information about protecting these vital lines, contact Tim Cynova at 505-857-8296.