Brightwater Project Encounters a Big Problem
When Big Giant Drilling Machines Go BAD!
Drilling the Brightwater Sewage Tunnel Has Stopped
According to an article in today’s Seattle Times, “Damaged tunneling machine delays Brightwater opening” by Keith Ervin, one of the large underground drilling machines currently tunneling from the Kenmore portal to Canyon Park in Bothell has been damaged and tunneling has ceased for the time being. According to the article:
“About 60 employees were laid off by a tunneling contractor Thursday, and the contractor’s tunneling machine will remain idle “for several months” while the contractor makes repairs 320 feet below ground level.”
Apparently, the 17.5 diameter drilling machine has sustained damage along a structural ring and repairs are extremely complicated requiring pressurized diving at such depths below the earth.
I have previously written about the Brightwater Sewage-Treatment project on this blog. These sorts of massive infrastructural projects require a huge amount of planning and money. Brightwater is not without it’s legions of critics who feel that Ron Sims, the former King Co. Executive, strong-armed communities into paying for the $1.8 Billion dollar system. To be sure, not everything has been perfect about Brightwater; however, when the need for a regional sewage-treatment project was originally proposed everyone resorted to the NIMBY (not-in-my-back-yard) argument. Mr. Sims did what elected officials are so reluctant to do these days……..he made a decision and started the project.
My Personal Opinion about Brightwater
As a Realtor® and a homeowner who lives within 1/4 mile of the Kenmore Portal of the Brightwater system, I have always been aware of the cost/benefit issues connected with the project. I have spoken personally with Ron Sims about the controversy over his decision to build the project and I’ve also spoken with a Brightwater Project Manager at the Kenmore portal. I have to say, when I listen to the whining and complaining of the critics (tightwads, reactionaries, sore losers) I find myself wondering: “When will the Puget Sound Region finally commit itself to the infrastructural projects necessary to move into the 21st Century?” It’s always the same old discussion: We don’t have the money…..We can’t make everyone happy…….The politicians are ramming this down our throats…….My property rights are being violated……..and on and on.
There comes a time when non-investment in one’s property leads to a depreciation in value. This applies to cities and regions as well. It was inevitable that the region was going to need another sewage treatment facility. In the same way it finally became imperative for the region to build a public transportation system which is still in its infancy. And there will be more projects to be sure. What’s so annoying is the idea that we can build a first class community on the cheap, or that these projects are going to be low-cost and easy. I don’t know about you but it seems strange the the Romans were able to build sewage systems that are still in use today and here, in the Seattle area, one of the most livable and beautiful regions of the U.S. we’re still arguing over projects that will make the area even better. I guess it’s human nature.
One of the saddest things about this delay is that 60 people were laid-off. I sincerely hope the contractor can get the drilling machine up-and-running ahead of schedule, put people back to work and get the project back on track.
July 14th, 2009 at 11:33 am
Dear James,
Your blog is great and informative. I thank you for your sympathy. My husband gave up a fabulous paying job in Louisiana , benefits, friends and an apartment because he got hired on for this project and wanted to move back to WA to be with the family since we didn’t want to move to Louisiana.
The day before he was due to start, it got closed down and he got the call boohoo sorry, we screwed you over.
He hasn’t worked since June and we are now discussing moving the whole family to Louisiana which is causing some intense outcry but we can’t survive this. Lousiana unemployment isn’t paying him because of questions about his seperation, (basically they are stupid and can’t read)and Washington State doesn’t help because he worked in Louisiana for the last two years.
I feel bad for everyone else in our predicament, he can’t even get work through the Union which we paid a hefty sum to join.
All pathetic I tell you.
I’ll keep reading and let you know what happens.
Regards and best wishes
July 14th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
Kelly – Your story really hit me hard! I sincerely hope you can figure out how to get your husband back to work. I think a lot of Americans have forgotten that not everyone can work behind a desk trading stocks or formulating “credit swap options.” A lot of important things are done building our infrastructure, or roads, bridges, etc.. These jobs aren’t sexy and they require skill sets that have been undervalued these days. For some reason we’ve forgotten the meaning of the word “empathy.” If more of us tried to work a little harder at understanding the challenges that our neighbors face, we’d be better off.
By the way, I’m prejudice: I wish you could stay here instead of going back to LA!!!!!!
May I make a humble suggestion: You should write the President’s Office (http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/) and tell your story. Let him (and his staff) know that there are families, such as yours who are ready to work on the projects we so desperately need here in the U.S. and that you need his attention and help.
Please keep in touch.