Earth Systems provided a geologic hazards study and a geotechnical engineering investigation for the Chorro Valley Transmission Pipeline, a segment of the California Water project extending through the County of San Luis Obispo. The pipeline route traversed a distance of approximately 11.5 miles, which included areas of steep, hazardous terrain before reaching the coastal plain. In the geologic hazards study, areas of landslide, potential landslide, and areas of excessive settlement risk were identified. The geotechnical report addressed design criteria for the pipeline, including seismic considerations; design criteria for sheeting and shoring of trenches and jacking pits; groundwater conditions and dewatering, and foundation design recommendations for areas where stream crossings were planned and for auxiliary structures. The feasibility of boring beneath stream crossings was also assessed.
