WARDEN – In a move to enhance the safety of its water infrastructure, the Warden City Council unanimously approved a contract with Gray & Osborne, Inc. for a seismic retrofit study of the city’s two water reservoirs. 

This engineering study, awarded at a cost of $80,000, is made possible with funds from both the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Washington State Military Department.  

"The item we are approving is part of the FEMA project for a seismic retrofit study of our reservoirs, which were not designed to withstand significant seismic activity," City Administrator Kriss Shuler said. "Our reservoirs are at risk of catastrophic collapse during an earthquake, and this study will determine the necessary upgrades to ensure their stability in such an event." 

The two reservoirs — consisting of welded-steel standpipes with capacities of 0.70 million gallons and 1.5 million gallons — have been identified as having significant seismic deficiencies.  

A preliminary inspection report from Gray & Osborne, dated 2020, raised concerns about their structural integrity, which prompted the city to seek funds for a comprehensive analysis. 

FEMA will contribute $60,000 toward the total cost of the study, with an additional $10,000 from the Washington State Military Department and $10,000 from the city’s own budget. As an added benefit, FEMA will cover up to $4,000 in administrative costs.  

"Once we receive the findings from the study, we can apply for further funding from FEMA to finance the actual retrofitting of the reservoirs,” Shuler said.  

The study will encompass several key tasks, including a geotechnical investigation, structural analysis and the preparation of a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program application.  

According to the scope of work outlined in the contract, these efforts will be overseen by Gray & Osborne, ensuring timely delivery of the required engineering products. 

"There are critical elements of project management and quality control that will guarantee the effectiveness of this study," Shuler said.