Sewer Rehab Problems Need Attention

by Dennis Evanosky

A city like Oakland, which is located on a watershed that feeds a sensitive marsh and a bay, needs a good sewer system to protect these valuable resources. Last summer, I began accumulating facts about the substandard work Andes Construction, Inc., was performing as it rehabilitated a portion of the sewer system in our neighborhood. Andrew Vincent's photos and descriptions piled up in my files. I presented some of them in previous columns in October, November, and December

Vincent, a vigilant local resident with an engineering background, is only concerned that the citizens of Oakland get what they will be paying for with the increased sewer fee on their EBMUD bills.

It seems that unless the citizens of Oakland step forward and voice their concerns to their elected (and appointed) representatives, not much will change. For example, despite public knowledge about this company's shoddy workmanship, the City Council voted to grant Andes Construction another contract worth over $1 million in October. In addition, City engineers sent out a public mailing defending and excusing the missteps that not only are producing a shoddy job, but have resulted in legal violations as well.

These violations include, but are not limited to failing to comply with Underground Services Alert (USA) directives when its workers dug next to the sensitive Sequoia aqueduct; leaving tools in a manhole that resulted in filling a basement with three feet of raw sewage; killing off a major tree at its roots; ignoring the proper protocol when working around our creeks; and disregarding private property rights. Andes has been involved in one case of personal injury and destruction of evidence that will involve a criminal complaint against the city. To give such an important contract to the highest bidder, headed by a former 15-year employee of Public Works, smacks of cronyism and corruption.

The Metro anxiously awaits the results of the investigation conducted by City Attorney John Russo that this column helped instigate. I wonder why Public Works Director Claudette Ford has not come forward to explain why the taxpayers of this city must bear this totally indefensible extra burden.

In my mind, the reason is simple. Ford is not hearing from any of you questioning what's going on. And so, the cronyism and corruption will continue until something changes. I suggest this change should start at the top. Call Ford to voice your concern, at 238-3961, or e-mail her, at crford\@oaklandnet.com.