The Fallbrook Public Utility District board voted 5-0 Feb. 25 to authorize a professional services contract with MCS Inspection Group for inspection services associated with the recoating of FPUD’s Sachse Reservoir.

"Like most other districts we have a large number of steel reservoirs that need to be updated from time to time," said FPUD general manager Brian Brady. "We want to do timely maintenance on it."

FPUD has a total of 11 steel reservoirs and recently completed an inspection of them. That inspection determined that the reservoirs need extensive recoating in order to extend their useful life and prevent structural deterioration which would require replacement of the entire reservoir. FPUD developed a 10-year program to recoat the steel reservoirs.

The total estimated cost to recoat the 10 million gallon Sachse Reservoir, which is off Red Mountain Road, is $900,000. FPUD has advertised bid documents to recoat Advertisement

[ Pala Mesa Resort ] the Sachse Reservoir, although FPUD staff does not have expertise to provide full coating inspection services and FPUD also prepared a Request for Proposals for coating inspection services to insure that the coating is applied properly.

FPUD received proposals from four firms and reviewed the proposals before determining that MCS Inspection Group and HDR-Schiff were the most qualified firms to provide part-time inspection services as well as the most willing to provide as-needed inspection services rather than full-time services. MCS provided lower rates and was determined to be the preferred firm.

FPUD budgeted $75,000 for coating inspection services in its 2012-13 and 2013-14 capital budgets, although based on the MCS daily rate and the estimated inspection needs the cost is likely to be $50,000 or lower. The contract provides for a $50,000 limit, although an amendment can be approved by future board action if necessary.