Logo courtesy of Yuba Water Agency

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - Yuba Water Agency has awarded an engineering and design contract to GFT Inc. as part of ongoing efforts to rebuild the penstock that ruptured above New Colgate Powerhouse in February.

The penstock is the large pipe that carries water between New Bullards Bar Dam and Reservoir and New Colgate Powerhouse for hydropower generation.

According to Yuba Water, the initial contract totals nearly $2 million and will fund a condition assessment of the damaged penstock along with an analysis of possible repair alternatives.

Agency officials estimate an additional $6 million will be needed for detailed engineering design work and support during future construction efforts. Final repair costs and a construction timeline will depend on the results of the ongoing forensic investigation and condition assessment.

“While this contract does not cover the actual construction of the repaired penstock, it does position us to move quickly once we have the results from the forensic investigation,” said Bryan Perrin, Yuba Water’s project manager overseeing the effort. “Our goal is to take what we learn from the investigation, develop engineering design plans and award a future construction contract to rebuild the penstock and get us back in business.”

Yuba Water officials said restoration work continues in several areas connected to the rupture. Crews are investigating the cause of the failure, rebuilding Lake Francis Road, stabilizing the hillside and removing debris and sediment near the powerhouse.

Additional information about the project is available at http://engage.yubawater.org.