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CA 5M Tank Project Reaches Milestone
Recently, news reports indicated that San Diego County Water Authority’s five-million-gallon concrete water tank was progressing, however, the construction project is disturbing hikers wondering the Mission Trails Regional Park.
A silver lining to the project’s disruption, once completed, is that the flow regulatory structure will be buried, completely hiding the infrastructure, returning the park’s peace and quiet.
About the Project
The tank, also known as the Mission Trails Flow Regulatory Structure II (FRS II), is reported to be just a piece in a collection of projects in the area referred to as the “Mission Trails Project.” Back in 2010, a new pipeline tunnel, removal of existing blue vent stacks and a new all-weather crossing of the San Diego River was completed.
Originally slated to break ground on the regulatory structure right after, the project was delayed in 2011 by the Water Authority’s Board of Directors, citing increasing water rates due to lower water demands.
The Massive 5-Million-Gallon Water Tank You Will Never See. The San Diego County Water Authority is constructing a huge underground water tank in Mission Trails Regional Park, called a flow regulatory structure. https://t.co/JdetU1vFDb by @LittleJoeTV via @nbcsandiego pic.twitter.com/EJy2nl4TRK
— Water Mark ?? (@OtayMark) April 10, 2021
The Authority notes the construction of the new underground flow regulatory structure, or covered reservoir will help regulate the water system’s flow of untreated water. Capable of holding up to five million gallons of untreated water, the system will also be used to balance flows in the aqueduct system and efficiently move water through the region.
Over the course of construction, certain trails located in the western portion of the park will be closed with active sites fenced throughout the duration of the project. Trail detours have also been enacted.
According to reports, the project first began taking shape in December 2020 with the installation of wall sections. At the time, crews were preparing to begin work on the Flow Control Facility itself. However, the project was halted in wake of the coronavirus pandemic and was relaunched in February of this year.
Project Milestone
Although local hikers will have to share part of the trail system with a cement mixer over the course of the next year, reports indicate that the construction of the five-million-gallon tank is successfully progressing. Last month, the project noted to have erected more than a dozen concrete pillars, which will support the roof of the tank.
On the disruption of the nearby trails and closures, SDCWA Senior Engineer Aaron Trimm said, “It’s very important because we have a lot of big trucks driving in and out. There’s steep hills.” He also touched on his excitement for the project and how much preparation and work has gone into making it a success.
Once completed (sometime in early 2022) the tank will be capable of holding enough water to fill seven Olympic-sized swimming pools. The concrete facility will also be covered with soil and vegetation upon completion to match the surrounding landscape, except for access hatches and above-ground vents to allow for air movement in and out of the reservoir.
“Once they grow back in, you won’t even know the tank’s here,” said Trimm. “We’re excited about getting this done and getting this filled back in and making sure that no one even knows we’re here.”
