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Capital Improvement Planning |
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The SmartCover® is a self contained, integrated wireless level monitoring system with instant alarming and historical data logging capabilities.
One of the more dynamic uses of the SmartCover® system is its implementation and use with Capital Improvement Projects (CIP). There are three possible applications regarding capital projects; Project Validation, Project Deferment and Project Monitoring.
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Project Validation: During the initial planning stages of a CIP, agencies often validate the need for such projects by undertaking a study of their collection system. This usually entails capacity studies, reviews of CCTV footage for areas of concern, engineering assessments and gathering any other information pertaining to the need for an improvement of the collection system.
Installing the SmartCover® system at selected locations related to the proposed CIP can either confirm or deny the need for the CIP. For example, if an agency is planning a capacity increase of its collection system because of the belief that the line was at capacity, it may be decided that such an increase is not necessary based on review of SmartCover® historical level data trending data. Other times the review of historical level trending data may show that a collection system line reaches capacity during every high flow occasion; thus validating the need for the CIP.
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Project Deferment: Agencies often plan to implement a CIP based on relocating or increasing the capacity of its sewer collection lines. If, for instance, a planned relocation is due to close proximity to an environmentally sensitive area or historical problems with grease, roots or debris accumulation, then by using the SmartCover® with its high water level alarming to monitor these locations, often times there may be no need to engineer a new section of collection system. If the agency’s personnel can prevent the problem with advance warning, the CIP can be implemented at a later more favorable date.
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Project Monitoring: While an agency is undertaking a CIP, the collection system might be high-lined or re-routed around the section under construction. This leads to compromises being made on a short term basis for the duration of the construction. Utilizing the SmartCover® system for both its high water level alarming feature as well as the historical level data trending can give the agency both overflow protection and knowledge that the temporary solution is working. Since the SmartCover® system is self contained, it can easily be relocated after the project ends.
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