Cleaning Dilema

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Scott Krupinski on August 17, 2011 at 10:33am

Let me preface this by aying that if you are in Ohio, you should call me at 740-586-2314 for your catch basin cleaning needs.If not, then we need to examine how you can make the most efficient use of your existing trucks and what yiou need to augment them.

 

By my calculations, your two trucks would have to each do 154 cb's a day year round to meet your 80,000 benchmark. thats 19 an hour for an 8 hour day. I can see your dilema.

 

The solution is two step. First, make sure the city fathers understand the importance of an aggressive street sweeping program to keep the debris out of the cb's to begin with. Secondly, your fleet is going to have to grow. Look for dedicated cb machines or a dedicated Hydroexcavation truck to clean the pits. Look for an efficient vacuum system, (fan, in my opinion, because of superior air conveyance and durability) and a water system. The reason I suggest a Hydroexcavator is budgetary. With the Hydroexcavator, the water department could use it (and share cost) for break repair, OUPS daylighting and curb box replacements. One truck does it all... CBs, digging and hauling, instead of 2 dump trucks, a backhoe, and laborers galore.

 

 

Permalink Reply by Thomas Jody on August 17, 2011 at 11:22am

James,

 

I think an important point to consider first is the condition of the drainage system itself. Cleaning the catch basins is one thing, but if the pipes are full, the catch basins will back up quickly, further complicating an already difficult situation. However, this does not answer your direct question.

 

Based on simple math, you do not really have enough equipment to accomplish what you need to do to stay in compliance. You should measure the cost of expanding your fleet or hiring contractors to supplement your fleet against the cost of not meeting EPA mandates. I think you will find that it will be less expensive, and a lot less stressful to expand your fleet and/or work with some contractors. The first step will be to evaluate your system to identify whether you need to do pipe cleaning, as well as catch basin cleaning. It seems the odds are in favor of needing to do at least some pipe cleaning.  I also recommend that you talk with other system operators in other major cities to get an idea of how they maintain their systems, such as how many machines they have, how many operators and helpers they use, how much work they handle "in-house" and how much they sub-contract out, etc. Another good thing to ask them is how many catch basins they are able to clean each day with one machine, on average. This will help your budget planning process.

 

Beyond that, this is a big elephant to eat; take it one bite at a time.

 

 

Permalink Reply by James K on August 17, 2011 at 9:53pm

Thank yall for the suggestions.  I hope I can get 5 vac trucks for next year, but that depends on my budget.  The bigger issue is that in my city the Sewer and Water Board and DPW are two totally separate entities and we have a terrible relationship.  All the drains fall under DPW though 18" and under.  For potholes we use the 'Pothole Killer' company....are there any 'catch basin cleaner' companies out there?

Thanks again.

Permalink Reply by Scott Krupinski on August 18, 2011 at 8:11am

Pothole killer.... cool truck! What state are you in? I could probably direct you to an expert in your area who would be able to help you out, or at least give you some educated opinions.

 

Nothing like sharing some equipment and  making one another's jobs easier to improve inter-departmental relations.... As a "recovering public official" myself, I know the challenges you folks are facing... Thats makes it all the more important to do it right the first time.

Permalink Reply by James K on August 18, 2011 at 7:43pm

I'm in the gumbo state...Louisiana...in the southeast part of the state

Permalink Reply by Scott Krupinski on August 18, 2011 at 7:49pm

Give Rusty Gant at Covington Sales a call... 225-317-2757. He's a good resource, and tell him the Pollock from Ohio sent ya!

Permalink Reply by James K on August 18, 2011 at 7:51pm

Sure will....thanks!