The Beach Interceptor Tunnel in Laguna Beach, California was constructed in 1954 and contains a 24-inch sewer pipeline critical to the South Coast Water District system.  Timber supports in the 6-feet high by 6-feet wide tunnel are deteriorated and jeopardize the sewer pipeline.  Emergency repairs were completed to a short interval of the tunnel in 2007 and the District is planning rehabilitation of the rest of the tunnel and replacement of the pipeline.  Planning for the project has addressed unique and significant constraints and risks as the 10,200-ft long tunnel is located in an environmentally sensitive coastal zone that has experienced substantial land development.  The District is proactively identifying and addressing critical issues including protection of the environmental, potential public impacts, securing additional easements and access, construction without a bypass or interruption to service. Additionally, the District has implemented an innovative project delivery strategy of early contractor involvement coupled with a Target Price contract to manage risks and control costs.

Joseph N. McDivitt, Director of Operations, South Coast Water District, Laguna Beach, California

The District covers approximately eight square miles in the South Orange County area providing water and sewer service to 40,000 citizens in South Laguna Beach and Dana Point, California.  The South Coast Water District service area presents unique environmental challenges in a sensitive coastal setting. The Districts assets include approximately 400 miles of sewer and water pipelines, 14 sewer lift stations, 9 water pump stations, 14 drinking water reservoirs and numerous facilities and properties throughout the service area.  The District also manages the Joint Regional Water Supply System (JRWSS), which delivers water to numerous cities and water agencies in Orange County, and the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station in San Diego County through 38 miles of large diameter transmission water lines, reservoirs and pump stations.

 In addition to his duties as the Districts Director of Operations Mr. McDivitt is the project manager in charge of the rehabilitation of the District’s deteriorating 10,200 ft. tunnel that houses a 24” sewer interceptor pipeline.  Mr. McDivitt is a decisive and dynamic professional whose accomplishments include planning and managing all aspects of civil engineering and public works projects.  With significant senior level design build and construction management experience Joe has served in related capacities for the County of San Diego, Camp, Dresser and McKee Engineers and Constructors, Inc., and Foster Wheeler Environmental Corporation.  Mr. McDivitt is a regular participant at state and national industry related seminars and conferences and is consistently called upon for his expertise and proven track record in facilitating effective results.  Joe recently completed his Masters in Business Administration (MBA) at the University of California in Irvine, Paul Merage School of Business.

David Jurich, PE, South Central West Unit Manager for Hatch Mott MacDonald

David Jurich is a Registered Professional Engineer with 30 years of experience in the investigation, design, construction, and repair of tunnels, shafts, and undergrounds structures for water supply, hydropower, transportation, mining, and wastewater conveyance projects in challenging hard rock and soft ground settings.  His work has taken him to several parts of the world in roles of increasing responsibility that include Project Manager and Resident Engineer.  He earned B.S. and M.E. degrees at the Colorado School of Mines, is the Executive Committee Chairman of the Underground Technology Research Council, and is a member of the Society of Mining Engineers and the American Society of Civil Engineers.  Mr. Jurich is based in Denver and, in addition to providing senior technical oversight for tunnel projects in Laguna Beach, California and Vancouver, British Columbia, is the South Central West unit manager for Hatch Mott MacDonald.

Eric Jessen, Chairman, South Laguna Water & Sewer Advisory Commission

Eric Jessen was Chief, OC Harbors, Beaches & Parks for 30 years, during which time the County’s regional parks acreage increased from 7,000 to over 30,000 acres. His ancestors settled in Santa Ana in 1869 and moved to Laguna Beach in 1915. He has served on the Board of the South Coast Water District and currently chairs the South Laguna Water & Sewer Advisory Commission, which is involved in the sewer tunnel project. He was Foreperson of the U.S. Federal Grand Jury for the Central District of California from 1999-2001. Eric recently chaired the Laguna Beach Flood Task Force, on which Carl Nelson and Bill Lawson also served. He assisted Carl Nelson in preparing ASCE’s nomination of the historic Irvine Ranch Water Resources infrastructure. Eric has been retired for 6 years and does environmental consulting for the art museum industry. He is also provides special assistance to members of the Irvine and Getty family. Mr. Jessen has been involved in the South Coast Water Districts tunnel rehabilitation project for several years and has assisted the District during the planning phases of the project which includes permitting, public outreach and coordination with local agencies and stakeholders.

PARKING: Free!