Marco Shores Alternate Water & Sewer Project

Overview

This project involved the installation of over 23,000 LF of sewer and water pipe utilizing open cut and Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) in sizes ranging from 12” to 20” in Marco Island, FL, the largest Barrier Island within Southwest Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands. Previously, Marco Island purchased water from Collier County and resold it to its residents. QE eliminated this need by completing the utility installations. Of the 12 self-performed HDDs, 4,162LF of 20” HDPE and 2,205LF of 16” HDPE were subaqueous. The project also included the installation of a new Master Pump station with a backup generator, complete demolition of an existing water treatment plant, and roadway restoration. QE alternated crews between day and night shifts to ensure that the project was completed on time, within budget, and to Marco Island’s satisfaction.

Project Challenges and Mitigations

In addition to the project’s complex scope of work, preventing the disruption of water service to Marco Island while QE connected the new water lines posed a challenge on this project. It was inevitable that water would be shut off at some point during the project; therefore, QE was cognisant about scheduling work so that water would be disrupted for eight hours or less when required.