The Headwaters Campground at Flagg Ranch offers 171 tent and RV camping sites to visitors of Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway. The existing sewer and water systems serving the campground were approximately 50 years old, repeatedly failing, and had reached the end of their useful life.
DJ&A was tasked with designing both the water and wastewater replacement systems. Survey and mapping of the site, which were completed first, included an extensive utility search using a sewer camera and ground penetrating radar. Given a nearly 50-year old system and lack of historical records, the experience of surveying personnel was essential for locating key components of the system. For example, to locate buried manholes, surveyors used a combination of metal detectors, sewer camera, and conversations with maintenance personnel. Locations and conditions of existing water and sewer lines were discovered along with the locations of other on-site utilities which informed the development of design alternatives.
During design development, DJ&A led a two-day Value Analysis (VA) study to evaluate three alternatives for the replacement design of over 7,000 LF of water main and water service lines. The VA team consisted of Grand Teton NP staff, Flagg Ranch Company (concessioner) staff, and members of the design team. The final recommended alternative called for an open-trench replacement, which allowed for a water distribution system that could be drained by gravity thus improving operational efficiency and reliability.
Key Services
- Performed field investigation of the campground including topographic survey
- Developed alternatives for systems replacement
- Conducted Value Analysis study and report
- Developed construction drawing package
- Coordinated with Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality for approval
Value Added
The new system design allows local maintenance staff to easily winterize the water system, thus reducing ongoing maintenance costs for the Park Service. The new water system also created redundancy in the system which will allow them to isolate and needed repairs to small sections while maintaining use throughout the rest of the campground.
Photo Credit: Grand Teton National Park/NPS
