SS9402C-CS 960423 April 23, 1996
Mr. Kenneth Griffin,P.E.
Assistant City Manager/City Engineer
255 Parkway Blvd.
Coppell,Texas 75019
Re: Sewer Reconstruction for Bethel Road
Coppell,Texas
HDR No 08015-001-037
Dear Mr. Griffin:
Survey data collected during the design phase of the project for the Bethel Road sewer has
resulted in the construction of the sewer at an elevation that does not enable the elimination
of the lift station serving the Postal facility as intended. In order to eliminate the need for a
lift station at the Postal facility,reconstruction of a portion of the Bethel Road sewer at
revised grades is necessary. Since the surveyor was a Subconsultant to HDR,we will assist
in the fiscal responsibility for correcting this line construction.
As a part of correcting the sewer construction,the surveyor and HDR investigated the
as-constructed sewer grades to determine the point at which to begin reconstruction of the
sewer. The result of this investigation determined that the point at which to begin the
reconstruction was approximately 2500 feet east of the lift station. Additionally, our
investigation of the sewer, as currently constructed, determined that an additional portion of
the line was flat without proper grade. During subsequent discussions with the contractor
regarding his responsibility for incorrect sewer construction work,he indicated the"flat"
portion of the line was installed per the City's direction.
HDR's engineering services agreement with the City of Coppell obligates HDR to correct
or revise any errors or deficiencies in the final designs, drawings, specifications and other
services performed. HDR has endeavored to provide these services to date. Additionally,
the contract also states the Engineer shall not be responsible for corrective construction or
repair work. Although not required to by contract, HDR as a continuing service to the
City is willing to reimburse the City for that part of the costs of reconstruction of a
portion of the sewer that will enable abandonment of the lift station. The portion of the
sewer that HDR is eiVAT4 to pay the cost of reconstruction does not include the"flat"
portion of sewer discovered during our post-construction investigation. Construction of
the Bethel Road sewer was under the City's direction. During post-construction
discussions with the Contractor, we became aware that several field changes in grade
were made during construction at the direction of the City's Field Representative. At no
time was HDR consulted with nor was HDR made aware of any revisions to sewer grades
along Bethel Road. Therefore, we are unwilling to assume any liability for that portion of
work.
HDR Engineering, Inc. Suite 125 Telephone Engineering
12700 Hillcrest Road 214 960-4000 Construction Services
Dallas, Texas Fax
75230-2096 214 960-4471
In accordance with your request, we are currently negotiating with a contractor to
complete this portion of work. We have been unable to complete these negotiations by
the deadline you requested of 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 23, 1996, but we are continuing
to negotiate. As an alternate, in the interim, we have enclosed an agreement with the City
which obligates HDR to pay for construction costs if the City elects to proceed with
construction on their own. We hope that this is satisfactory to the City.
Sincerely,
HDR ENGINEERING,INC.
William R. Hindman,P.E.
Senior Vice President
Attachment
cc: Tom Morton,Mayor
Jim Witt, City Manager
Peter G. Smith,City Attorney
Joe W. Ezzell,HDR