1250 – Improvements – Lawrence Park Township

1250.01 GENERAL CONSTRUCTION AND APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

All of the required improvements specified in this chapter shall be constructed in accordance with other articles of these Subdivision Regulations and all other applicable Township, County, and State regulations and approved by the Board of Commissioners and the Township Engineer.

1250.02 MONUMENTS

Concrete monuments shall be installed to provide permanent horizontal control for the subdivision. The monuments shall be set along street property lines and along subdivision boundaries:

(a) At the beginning and ending of all street curves.

(b) At the intersection of street lines.

(c) At the intersection of all lines forming angles in the subdivision boundary.

The monument shall be a six-inch by six-inch by thirty-inch concrete shaft, with a one-half inch diameter steel rod embedded in the center, protruding approximately one-half inch from the top surface.

Monuments shall be placed so that the marked point shall coincide exactly with the intersection of lines to be marked, and shall be set so that the top of the monument is level with the finished grade.

Any monuments that are destroyed or removed shall be replaced by a registered engineer or surveyor. Where grading conditions or other circumstances prohibit the placing of monuments at the time of submission of the final plan, a cash deposit will be made with the Township in an amount to be determined by the Commissioners.

1250.03 STREETS

(a) Storm Sewers. The work to be included is the installation of storm sewer lines in accordance with accepted practice and in compliance with the materials and methods of construction outlined below.

(1) Excavations. The contractor shall do all excavation of whatever substance encountered to the depth required to install the sewer to the lines and grades. The banks of the trench shall be vertical. The width of the trench allowed shall be twelve inches on each side of the pipe bell. Excavated material not suitable or not required for fill or backfill shall be removed from the site and disposed of.

Excavation for manholes and catch basins shall allow for only twenty-four inches of clearance on all sides.

Excavation shall not be carried below the required level. Excess excavation shall be backfilled with sand, gravel or concrete, as directed by the Township Engineer and thoroughly tamped.

Unstable soil shall be removed and replaced with approved backfill of gravel, crushed stone or crushed slag, which shall be thoroughly tamped. The Township Engineer shall determine the depth of removal of the unstable soil.

Water, which has accumulated in the excavation, shall be removed by pumping or other means approved by the Township Engineer.

In rock, excavation shall be carried to eight inches below the bottom of the pipe and special refill material shall be used to establish the proper grade. This material shall be as stated in the materials section.

The bottom of the trench shall be rounded so that an arc of the circumference equal to 0.6 of the outside diameter of the pipe rests on undisturbed soil. Bell holes shall be excavated accurately to size by hand.

(2) Materials. All materials shall be furnished by an established and reputable supplier or manufacturer. All materials shall be guaranteed to perform the service required and shall conform with the following specifications or shall be a product similar and equal thereto as approved by the Township Engineer.

Pipe shall conform to the proper ASTM Specifications and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Publication 408, and shall be subject to approval by the Township Engineer.

Concrete used for encasements, manhole bases and backfill shall be ready-mixed cement concrete designed for 3,300 psi compressive strength after twenty-eight days and shall meet all the requirements for Class A concrete as specified in Section 704 of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Publication 408.

Mortar used for manholes, catch basins and pipe joints shall be machine mixed in an acceptable manner at the site by the contractor and shall consist of one-part Portland cement and two and one-half parts fine aggregate by volume. Water or other components shall not be introduced into this mix after removal from mixer.

Special refill material used for bedding in rock excavation shall consist of sand or No. 57 aggregate, as determined by the Township Engineer, and shall conform to the specifications in Section 703.2 of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Publication 408.

Special backfill material used for trench backfill shall consist of a well graded bank-run gravel in accordance with the following specification and should be free of any deleterious matter.

GRADATION REQUIREMENT

Liquid Limit, 25 percent – Maximum Plasticity Index, 7 Maximum

Lumber used for sheeting may consist of any species which will satisfactorily stand driving. It shall be free from worm holes, loose knots, wind shakes, decayed or unsound portions, or other defects which might impair its strength or tightness. Minimum thickness shall be two inches nominal. Lumber for bracing shall be sound and shall be equal to or better than No. 2 common yard lumber.

(3) Joints. Joints shall comply with the pipe manufacturer’s recommendations for the intended use.

(4) Laying of Pipe. All sewers shall be laid true to line and grade. The sections of the pipe shall be laid and fitted together, so that when completed, the sewer will have a smooth and uniform invert. The pipe shall be kept thoroughly clean so that jointing compounds will adhere. Each pipe shall be inspected for defects before being lowered into the trench, and if defects are found even after laying of the pipe is completed, it shall be removed and replaced with a new pipe. No water shall be allowed in the trench while pipes are being laid, and the exposed end shall be capped if left in the trench for more than one hour without installing the next section. No more than 100 feet of trench shall be opened in advance of pipe laying unless permitted by the Township Engineer.

The interior of the sewer shall be kept cleared of all dirt as the work progresses.

(5) Backfill. No sewers shall be backfilled above the top of the pipe until the sewer elevations, gradient, alignment, and the pipe joints have been checked, inspected, and approved. No heavy rock or boulders more than six inches in diameter will be allowed within three feet of the pipe, and no stones over one and one-half inches in diameter will be allowed in the first eighteen inches of the backfill.

The space between the pipe and the side of the trench shall be backfilled in four-inch layers and thoroughly mechanically tamped until a height of one foot above the pipe is reached, and then layers of six inches will be allowed before the tamping is performed.

Backfill around manholes and catch basins shall be done after all forms, debris, and trash are removed and cleared away. Suitable material as for trench backfilling shall be placed symmetrically on all sides in eight-inch layers.

All backfill shall be thoroughly, mechanically tamped in layers to meet the compaction requirements of ninety-five percent of standard proctor (ASTM D698-78).

When excavated material is not satisfactory for backfill, special backfill material shall be secured to use in backfilling operations. All surplus material, unsatisfactory material, earth, rubbish, or other debris shall be hauled away from the site and disposed of.

(6) Manholes. Manholes shall be precast reinforced concrete construction, with aluminum or plastic-coated manhole steps and O-ring rubber gaskets. Precast manholes shall meet or exceed ASTM Specification C-478. Eccentric cone top sections shall be used, unless a variance or waiver is furnished in writing by the Township Engineer.

A poured in place eight-inch concrete base of Class A concrete, as noted in the materials section, shall be constructed as a leveling pad before the precast manhole can be placed.

The Contractor may, upon written request and written approval of the Township Engineer, construct brick or block manholes. All bricks and blocks shall conform to accepted standards and shall be new and clean. The brick shall conform to ASTM Specification C-32 and the block shall conform to ASTM Specification C-139.

Manhole frames and covers shall be equal to Allegany Foundry Company frame pattern 650 and cover pattern 651. The frame casting and cover casting shall have the metal bearing areas that come in contact machine ground to fix in pairs, shall be marked as pairs and shall be delivered in pairs.

(7) Catch Basins. Catch basins shall be of brick and/or block construction. All bricks and blocks shall conform to accepted standards and shall be new and clean.

Catch basin frames, grates, and curb boxes shall be equal to Allegany Foundry Company, frame pattern 630, grate pattern 631, curb box pattern 632. The frame casting, grate casting, and curb box casting shall have the metal bearing areas that come in contact machined to fix these three pieces as one unit, shall be marked as one unit, and shall be delivered as one unit.

(b) Flexible Pavement. The work to be included is the installation of plant-mixed bituminous concrete pavement, in accordance with accepted practice and in compliance with the materials and methods of construction outlined below. Higher grade pavements (e.g., cement concrete) will be considered upon written request.

(1) Grading. All details of the cross-section, crowns, curb, pavement, sub-grade, sub-drains, and roadside ditches shall be graded and/or constructed to conform to the designated cross-section as provided by the Township Engineer and approved by the Board of Commissioners.

Grade stakes shall be placed on each side of the street at maximum intervals of fifty feet and so located as to remain in place until the completion and approval of the bituminous base course.

Grade stakes removed prior to the completion of the bituminous base course shall be replaced before any further work is done on the street.

(2) The Sub-Grade. The bottom of the excavation and/or top of the embankment between the outer limits of the base course or sub-base is considered sub-grade and shall conform to specified line, grades, and cross-sections. Mainly the area that is prepared to receive the placement of the base course or sub-base is defined as sub-grade.

Materials and sub-grade classifications shall be as follows. The sub-grade and sub-grade material can be classified as good, fair, and poor. “Good” refers to the class that includes granular materials such as sand, sandy gravel with less than ten percent passing a No. 200 mesh sieve. This type material can be compacted to produce a firm layer and have a minimum C.B.R. value of twelve. “Fair” refers to the class that includes soils which have a satisfactory performance record from the standpoint of freezing and thawing. These are primarily sandy, gravelly or nonplastic clay loam soils with a C.B.R. value ranging from five to twelve. “Poor” refers to the class that includes all soils which have a poor performance record from the standpoint of freezing and thawing. These are primarily soft plastic clay or silty materials where the clay or silt content is more than fifty percent with a C.B.R. value ranging from 2.5 to 5.

Construction methods shall be as follows: The sub-grade shall be shaped to true lines and elevations and shall have a minimum width of the width of the pavement plus two feet. Adequate drainage facilities shall be installed to provide for the disposition of underground seepage and the percolation of surface water. The sub-grade shall be thoroughly compacted by power rollers with a minimum weight of ten tons to insure satisfactory densification and stabilization. It shall be compacted near optimum moisture content in accordance with Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Specifications, Publication 408, Section 210.3(b) The finished surface shall be uniformly shaped to facilitate drainage, and any irregularities from theoretical grade shall be corrected prior to placing the sub-base.

If the material encountered in the normal excavation has a C.B.R. value of less than 2.5 and is not of proper quality to develop the required stability and provide for adequate drainage, other material shall be installed. This material shall meet the requirements of sub-grade material, preferably of granular character, and be installed to a depth of at least twelve inches. It should then be brought to a firm and thoroughly compacted surface as mentioned in the above paragraph.

Prior to placing the sub-base, the Township Engineer shall inspect the sub-grade area. From visual inspection, he/she will designate where sub-drains shall be installed. If any unstable areas are found, the material shall be removed and replaced with suitable material and thoroughly compacted. The replacement material shall be stone or gravel approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for replacement of unstable sub-grade.

Such unsuitable areas shall be excavated and undercut to the required depth for accommodating the placing of sufficient granular or other suitable sub-grade material.

The prepared sub-grade shall be protected by the contractor to prevent undue rutting from trucks or other equipment, and if such damage does occur, the sub-grade shall be reshaped and compacted prior to placing the sub-base material.

(3) Sub-Drains Under Pavement. Sub-drains shall be laid along the entire length of all streets and at locations to be determined in each case by the Township Engineer. Blind or side drains at intervals, as required by the Township Engineer, shall be installed leading into the main sub-drain. The required interval for side drains shall be related to ground water conditions, but in no case shall this interval be greater than 100 feet. If conditions require, six-inch corrugated metal perforated pipe shall be installed in the side drains. Blind or side drains shall extend to the curb lines.

In parts of the Township where the natural ground is a well-drained gravel, sub-drain requirements may be relaxed. Deviation from the sub-drain requirements will be considered upon written request and each case considered separately.

In general, the sub-drain shall be built as follows:

After the sub-grade has been shaped, the sub-drain will be installed.

The trench for the sub-drain will be a minimum of fifteen inches wide and be dug to a minimum depth of thirty inches below the bottom of the sub-base where possible.

A layer of No. 57 in stone, in accordance with the gradation requirements as specified by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Publication 408, Section 703.2, will be placed to a depth of three inches in the bottom of the trench and six-inch corrugated metal pipe laid in the center of the trench.

The entire trench to the top of the sub-grade will be filled with No. 57 stone.

Care must be taken to assure that the stone in the sub or side drain remains clean and in good contact with the stone or gravel in the sub-base.

Sub-drains shall generally empty into storm sewer catch basins or manholes and shall enter at or above the spring line of the main storm sewer line at that location. The specified depth of sub-drain may have to be modified at and near such catch basins and manholes, but will be brought to specified depths as quickly as practicable.

(4) The Sub-Base. All utilities, including water, gas, sanitary sewers, storm sewers, buried conduits of any kind or any other structures or lines shall be placed prior to the laying of the sub-base.

The sub-base shall be made of approved gravel or stone and shall have a minimum thickness at any point of six inches when compacted. Additional depth of sub-base may be called for.

The material and method of construction used shall conform to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Specifications, Publication 408, Section 350.

The sub-base materials shall be placed evenly and rolled in two separate layers of at least three inches each. Rolling shall be done with a three-wheel power roller weighing not less than ten tons and shall begin at the sides and continue towards the center. Rolling shall continue until there is not movement of the surface ahead of the roller with compaction results meeting the requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Specifications, Publication 408, Section 350.3(e).

The sub-base shall be thoroughly compacted and shaped to the proper grade and cross-section to receive the bituminous base course.

The finished sub-base shall be inspected and approved before placing the bituminous base course.

(5) The Bituminous Base Course. The bituminous base course shall follow, be made up and be laid in accordance with the following specifications:

Specifications of the Department of Transportation, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Publication 408, current edition, Section 305, “Bituminous Concrete Base Course.”

The bituminous base course shall be laid to a minimum thickness when compacted of three inches.

Under certain conditions, the bituminous base course may be eliminated; but if this is the case, then a bituminous tack coat, as specified in Department of Transportation, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Publication 408, Section 460, will be required.

The bituminous base course must be inspected and approved prior to the laying of the bituminous binder course.

(6) The Bituminous Binder Course. A bituminous tack coat, as specified in Department of Transportation, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Publication 408, Section 460, will be required in all cases where the bituminous base course has been in place for a period in excess of ninety-six hours prior to the placing of the bituminous binder course or in any case where the use of such tack coat is determined to be necessary.

The bituminous binder course shall follow, be made up of and laid in accordance with the following specifications:

Specifications of the Department of Transportation Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Publication 408, Section 421, “Bituminous Binder Course ID-2.”

The bituminous binder course shall be laid to a minimum thickness of two inches when compacted.

Special note is made of Section 401.3(f), Publication 408, “Condition of Existing Surface.” The bituminous base course must be thoroughly cleaned, and all defects remedied prior to the laying of the bituminous binder course.

(7) The Bituminous Wearing Course. The bituminous wearing course shall follow, be made up of, and be laid in accordance with the following specifications:

(A) For industrial, business and arterial streets, specifications of the Department of Transportation, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Publication 408, Section 420, “Bituminous Wearing Course ID-2;” and

(B) For local residential streets, specifications of the Department of Transportation, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Publication 408, Section 422, “Bituminous Wearing Course FJ-1.”

The bituminous wearing course shall be laid to a minimum thickness, when compacted, to one inch.

(c) Concrete Curbs. All new or rebuilt streets shall be constructed with concrete curbs in accordance with accepted standards and in compliance with the materials and methods of construction outlined below.

(1) Excavations. Excavation shall be made to the required depth, and the material upon which the curb is to be constructed shall be compacted to a firm, even surface. Where foundation underdrain is to be placed under the curb, the excavation for curb shall be made in conjunction with the excavation for the underdrain.

(2) Materials. The curb shall be built according to the latest edition of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Publication 408, Section 630. Materials shall conform to Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Publication 408, as follows:

(A) Class A cement concrete – Section 704

(B) Premold expansion joint filler – Section 705.1

(C) Bar dowels – Section 705.3

(D) Joint sealing material – Section 705.4

(E) Curing and protection covers – Section 711.1

(F) Concrete curing compound – Section 711.2

(G) Concrete admixtures – Section 711.3

(H) Bituminous paper – Section 727

The aggregate used in the production of concrete under this contract shall be from sources currently approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, and conform to its Specifications, Publication 408.

The minimum cement content shall be 6.0 sacks per cubic yard of concrete, and the same shall have a twenty-eight-day compressive strength of 3,300 psi.

The fresh concrete shall contain from four percent to seven percent volume of entrained air. Air determination may be made by the Township Engineer or his/her representative and such changes as are necessary to maintain the required air content shall be made as directed.

(3) Forms. The forms for the curb shall be of approved metal, except wood forms may be used on sharp curves and short tangent sections when approved by the Township Engineer. Forms shall be straight, free from warp and of sufficient strength, when staked, to resist the pressure of the concrete without springing. At least three stakes shall be provided for each ten feet. Metal forms shall be of approved section and shall have a flat surface on top, and wood forms shall be one and one-half inch surfaced planks. These forms shall be of a depth equal to the depth of the curb, so designed as to permit secure fastening of face and back forms at the tops. These fastenings shall be designed so that they will not obstruct satisfactory finishing and edging of the top of the curb and will permit removal of the face forms. The outside or back forms shall be straight from top to bottom. The inside of fact forms shall have a better from the top of the curb to the finished surface line of the pavement and shall be straight from this line to the bottom. Steel templets one-eighth of an inch in thickness, of the width of the curb, and not less than two inches longer than the depth of the curb, shall be used to separate adjacent sections. All forms and templets shall be cleaned thoroughly and treated with an approved material, as required, to prevent the concrete from adhering thereto. Oil, tar paper or other material which will adhere to or discolor the concrete shall not be used. Forms and templets which have become worn, bent, warped or broken shall not be used. The forms shall be accurately set to line and grade in such a manner as to prevent settlement or displacement.

(4) Placing and Finishing Concrete. The concrete shall be placed in the forms in horizontal layers not to exceed five inches, and spaded sufficiently to eliminate all voids. An electric vibrator may be used with the permission of the Township Engineer. Where indicated or directed, drainage openings shall be made through the curb at the elevation and of the size required. The curb shall be depressed as indicated or directed. The top surface of the curb shall be finished true to line and grade in a neat, smooth and even manner by means of wood floats, and the edges of the face and back shall be rounded to a radius of not more than three quarters of an inch and one quarter of an inch, respectively, while the concrete is still plastic.

(5) Joints and Reinforcing. The curb shall be constructed in uniform lengths or sections of ten feet, except where shorter sections are necessary for closures or curves, but no section shall be less than four feet. Premolded expansion joints one-quarter of an inch in thickness and cut to conform with the cross-section of the curb shall be placed at the ends of section of curved curb and at intervals of not more than 120 feet. Intermediate joints between sections shall be formed of two thicknesses of one-ply bituminous paper, cut neatly to the cross-section of the curb and one paper placed on each side of the template. If the method of handling the work is such that the templates are not removed satisfactorily, the curb shall be constructed in alternate sections.

When curved curb joins with tangent curb, at curb returns and on sharp curves where directed, there shall be embedded in the concrete two reinforcement bars one-half inch in diameter and twenty-four inches in length.

These bars shall be placed three and twelve inches, respectively, below the top of the curb and in the center of its width, and shall extend twelve inches into the curb on each side of the joint. The portions of the bars extending into the tangent curb shall be rendered bondless with a coating of approved material, and enclosed in approved tubes or caps, which will provide a positive clearance pocket of at least one-half inch.

(6) Concrete Control Tests. During the progress of work, at least one set of four standard six-inch concrete cylinders shall be made during each and every day of concreting operations. The cylinders of each set shall be molded from the same sample of concrete and shall be tested one at seven days and three at twenty-eight days.

(7) Removal of Forms. The forms shall not be removed within twelve hours after the concrete has been placed. No rubbing to correct irregularities will be permitted until the curing period has elapsed. Any irregular surface shall be corrected by rubbing with a carborundum stone. Brush refinishing or plastering will not be permitted, and all reject curb shall be promptly removed and replaced. All joints in the curb shall be opened from top to bottom immediately after the forms are removed, and the edges adjacent to the joints shall be sharp and clean cut. After the forms are removed, minor defects shall be filled with mortar composed of one-part cement and two parts fine aggregate.

(8) Curing. The curb shall be protected and cured in a manner approved as specified in Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Publication 408.

(9) Backfilling. After the concrete has attained the required strength, the spaces in back of the curb shall be backfilled with acceptable material in layers of not more than four inches in depth. Each layer shall be thoroughly compacted mechanically to the required elevation and cross-section.

(10) Finish Grading. Finish grading behind the curb shall be done to meet existing conditions at the right-of-way line, with a material that is acceptable to the Township Engineer. All existing lawns disturbed or altered during the construction shall be seeded with a quality seed that will restore the lawn to its original condition.

(11) Repair to Roadway Surface. All existing roadway surfaces disturbed or altered during the course of construction shall be restored to their original condition and to the satisfaction of the Township Engineer.

1250.04 STORM WATER MANAGEMENT; EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION CONTROL

(a) Open watercourses shall have adequate capacity and erosion control to ensure safe and healthful disposal of stormwater.

(b) When topsoil has been removed from the surface of a lot on a slope where erosion will cause a displacement of loose material, the subdivider shall be required to seed or provide other means to prevent the wash from damaging adjacent property or accumulating on street surfaces.

In addition to the requirements of these Subdivision Regulations, all major subdivisions (and any minor subdivision that the Board of Commissioners may deem necessary) shall have a soil erosion and sedimentation control plan and/or permit and a storm water management plan and/or permit. These plans shall be prepared by the developer in accordance with current State laws and reviewed and approved by the Erie County Conservation District. Permitted plans shall be fully implemented during the construction of the major subdivision.

1250.05 WATER SUPPLY

The work to be included is the installation of ductile cast iron pipe water main along with valves, hydrants and other appurtenances in accordance with accepted practice and in compliance with the materials and method of construction outlined below. The City of Erie, Bureau of Water, shall approve the materials to be used and will have an inspector on site during construction.

After installation, completion of tests required and after the final inspection, the water main and appurtenances shall become the property of the City of Erie.

(a) Excavations. The contractor shall do all excavation of whatever substances encountered to the required minimum depth of five-and-one-half feet below the finish grade. The banks of the trench shall be vertical. The width of the trench allowed shall be twelve inches on each side of the pipe bell. Excavated material not suitable or not required for fill or backfill shall be removed from the site and disposed of at the contractor’s expense.

Excavation around accessories shall allow for only twenty-four inches of clearance on all sides.

Excavation shall not be carried below the required level. Excess excavation shall be backfilled with sand, gravel or concrete, as directed by the Township Engineer, and thoroughly tamped at the contractor’s expense.

Unstable or unsuitable material shall be removed and replaced with approved backfill of gravel, crushed stone or crushed slag, which shall be thoroughly tamped. The Township Engineer shall determine the depth of removal of the unstable or unsuitable material.

The contractor shall remove by pumping, or other means approved by the Township Engineer, any water accumulated in the excavation.

In rock, excavation shall be carried to eight inches below the bottom of the pipe and special refill material shall be used to establish the proper grade by tamping thoroughly. This material shall be as stated in the materials section.

Sheeting, shoring, timbering and bracing will be required to maintain the excavation in a condition to furnish safe working conditions and to permit the safe and efficient installation of all items in strict accordance with all safety rules and regulations as prescribed by any governing organization.

(b) Materials. All materials shall be furnished by an established and reputable supplier or manufacturer. All materials shall be of first-class ingredients and construction, designed and guaranteed to perform the service required and shall conform with the following specifications or shall be a product similar and equal thereto as approved by the Township Engineer and meeting City of Erie standards.

The pipe, hydrants, fittings, gate valves, valve boxes, tees, crosses and required accessories necessary for the installation of the water main and fire hydrants shall be supplied and installed by the contractor.

Concrete used for backfill or thrust blocks shall be ready-mixed concrete, designed for 3,300 psi compressive strength for twenty-eight days and shall meet all the requirements for Class A concrete as specified in Section 704 of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Publication 408.

Pipe shall be ductile cast iron pipe and shall be the “Tyton” joint type conforming to the A.S.A. Specification A21.51. The pipe shall have a Class IV wall thickness and shall conform to the sizes required. The pipe and fittings shall be cement lined and bituminous seal coated on the inside and seal coated on the outside in accordance with A.S.A. Specification A21.4. The cement lining thickness shall be one-eighth of an inch.

Fittings shall be gray iron, class 250, mechanical joint, short body fittings conforming to A.S.A. Specification A21.10. All accessories required for fittings shall conform to A.S.A. Specification A21.11.

Gate valves shall be bell end with mechanical joints and shall conform to the A.W.W.A Specifications C-500-61 or latest revision. All mechanical joint accessories shall be furnished with the valve. The valve shall have double disc, parallel seat, side wedge nonrising steam, and be bronze mounted. All moving parts shall be accurately machined and all valves shall open to the right or clockwise.

Valve boxes shall be two-piece screw type, equal to the Buffalo Valve Box. The shaft shall be five-and-one-quarter inches, style B-5003, Catalog No. 21 of Buffalo Valve Box Company or equal, with an extension of thirty-six to forty-eight inches. Covers shall be marked “water.”

Hydrants shall be equal to “Mathews Modernized Hydrant” (Model No. M-62 bronze lines). They shall be mechanical joint hydrants with all accessories included. Connections shall be three 2-1/2 inch connections and 1 to 4-inch streamer connection for both hose and pumper use. All bearings and parts working against each other shall be made of bronze or heavy bronze faced unless otherwise specified by the Township Engineer. All hydrants shall be of the compression type, opening against and closing in the direction of normal water flow.

Special refill material used for bedding in rock excavation shall consist of sand, No. 57 aggregate, or as determined by the Township Engineer, and shall conform to the specifications in Section 703.2 of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Form 408, for gradation of size. No sodium sulfate test will be required.

Special backfill material used for trench backfill shall consist of a well graded bank-run gravel in accordance with the following specification and should be free of any deleterious matter.

GRADATION REQUIREMENT

Liquid Limit, 25 percent – Maximum

Plasticity Index – 7 Maximum

(c) Joints. Joints shall be of “Tyton” type, conforming to A.S.A. Specification A21.11. If the ductile cast iron pipe is cut in the field, the end of pipe must be tapered back about one eighth of an inch at an angle of about thirty degrees.

(d) Laying of Pipe. The City of Erie, Bureau of Water, shall provide an inspector to be present during construction of the water main and appurtenances. Material and construction shall be subject to the approval of the City of Erie inspector.

All water mains shall be true to line and within the minimum cover required. The pipe shall be kept thoroughly clean so that joining will be smooth and all joints will be watertight. All pipe, fittings and valves shall be inspected for defects before being lowered into the trench, and if defects are found even after laying of the water main is completed, the defective item shall be removed and replaced with a new item. No water shall be allowed in the trench while pipes are being laid, and the exposed end shall be capped if left in the trench for more than one hour without installing the next section. Not more than 100 feet of trench shall be opened in advance of the pipe laying, unless permitted by the Township Engineer.

The interior of the pipe shall be kept cleared of all dirt as the work progresses.

When setting hydrants, care shall be taken to set them in a vertical position. Inspection of the hydrant for defects and for proper working order shall be done.

Thrust blocks shall be constructed at tees, valves, bends, hydrants and/or as directed by the Township Engineer. The blocks shall be of concrete as specified in the materials section. Blocks shall be poured on solid ground and shall be poured neat against solid undisturbed trench walls.

(e) Backfill. No water mains shall be backfilled above the top of the pipe until the elevations, alignment and the pipe joints have been checked, inspected and approved. No heavy rock or boulders more than six inches in diameter will be allowed within three feet of the pipe, and no stones over one and one-half inches in diameter will be allowed in the first eighteen inches of the backfill. The trench shall be backfilled evenly and carefully around and over the pipe, in six-inch layers, and each layer shall be thoroughly mechanically tamped. Compaction shall be not less than ninety-five percent of standard proctor (ASTM D698-78).

Backfill around hydrants and valve enclosures shall be done in the same manner as for trench backfill. If necessary, hydrants and valve enclosures shall be braced during backfilling to insure a vertical position. Hydrant backfill shall consist of broken stone or coarse gravel in the amount not less than ten cubic feet in accordance with City of Erie standards. Tar paper shall be placed over the stone to prevent dirt and soil from working in and around the stone.

All backfill shall be tamped thoroughly to the required grade around hydrants, valve enclosures and other appurtenances, as well as on the pipe lines.

When the excavated material is not satisfactory for backfill, the contractor shall secure special backfill material to use in backfilling operations. All surplus material, unsatisfactory material, earth, rubbish or other debris shall be hauled away from the site and disposed of by the contractor.

(f) Sterilization. Before being placed in service, all new water lines shall be chlorinated to the satisfaction of the Township Engineer in accordance with A.W.W.A. Specification C601-54, or its latest revision.

Prior to chlorination, all dirt and foreign matter shall be removed by a thorough flushing. This shall be done after the pressure test and leakage test and may be done either before or after the trench has been backfilled.

A chlorine gas and water mixture or hypochlorite solution shall be applied by means of a solution-feed device, or the gas shall be fed directly from a chlorine cylinder equipped with proper devices for regulating the rate of flow and the effective diffusion of gas within the pipe.

Water from the existing distribution system or other source of supply shall be controlled to flow away slowly into the newly laid pipe line during the application of chlorine, in such proportions that the chlorine dose applied to the water entering the newly laid pipe shall be at least forty to fifty parts per million.

Treated water shall be retained in the pipe long enough to destroy all non-spore forming bacteria. This period shall be at least twenty-four hours, and preferably longer as may be directed. In an emergency, at least three hours contact shall be provided for chlorination, and the chlorine dose rate shall be triple the required dose.

After the chlorine treated water has been retained for the required time, the chlorine residual at the pipe extremities and at other representative points shall be at least five parts per million.

Following chlorination, all treated water shall be thoroughly flushed from the newly laid pipe line at its extremities, until the replacement water throughout its length shall, upon test, be equal to the water quality served from the existing water supply system.

Should initial treatment, in the opinion of the Township Engineer, prove ineffective, the chlorination procedure shall be repeated until confirmed tests show that water sampled from the newly laid pipe conforms to the requirements. No main shall be placed in service without the Township Engineer’s approval.

(g) Pressure Test of Water Lines. After the pipe has been laid, properly anchored and partially backfilled with all joints exposed, all newly laid pipe, or any valved section thereof, shall be subjected to a hydrostatic pressure test of 150 pounds per square inch or fifty percent above normal operating pressure, whichever is greater.

The tests shall be applied by means of a pump connected to the pipe in a manner satisfactory to the Township Engineer. Tests shall be made using water as a medium. Use of compressed air or nitrogen is prohibited. The duration of each pressure test shall be at least four hours. During the period, the drop in static pressure shall be carefully measured and shall in no instance exceed ten psi per hour.

Care should be taken to see that the air is expelled and all caps and plugs are properly braced before the pressure is applied. Air should be expelled by the opening of fire hydrants or taps at the points of highest elevation.

All hydrostatic tests, etc., shall be performed by the contractor, under the supervision of the Township Engineer.

All pipes, fittings, valves, hydrants and joints shall be carefully examined during the test, and all joints showing visible leakage shall be made tight. All defective pipes, joints, fittings, valves and hydrants shall be removed from the line and replaced by the contractor.

1250.06 SANITARY SEWERS

The work to be included is the installation of sanitary sewers in accordance with accepted practice and in compliance with the materials and method of construction outlined below.

(a) Excavations. The contractor shall do all excavation of whatever substance encountered to the depth required to install the sewer to the required lines and grades. The banks of the trench shall be vertical. The width of the trench allowed shall be eight inches on each side of the pipe bell. Excavated material not suitable or not required for fill or backfill shall be removed from the site and disposed of.

Excavation for manholes shall allow for only twenty-four inches of clearance on all sides of the manhole.

Unstable soil shall be removed and replaced with approved granular backfill material, which shall be thoroughly tamped. The Township Engineer shall determine the depth of removal of the unstable soil.

The contractor shall remove by pumping, or other means approved by the Township Engineer, any water accumulated in the excavation.

In rock, excavation shall be carried to eight inches below the bottom of the pipe and special refill shall be used to establish the proper grade by tamping thoroughly.

The bottom of the trench shall be rounded so that an arc of the circumference, equal to 0.6 of the outside diameter of the pipe, rests on undisturbed soil. Bell holes shall be excavated accurately to size by hand.

(h) Materials. All materials shall be furnished by an established and reputable supplier or manufacturer. All materials shall be of first-class ingredients and construction, designed and guaranteed to perform the service required, and shall conform with the following specifications or shall be a product similar and equal thereto approved by the Township Engineer.

Pipe shall be extra-strength vitrified clay pipe and shall conform to ASTM Specification C-200. All pipe shall be of the bell and spigot type.

Concrete used for encasements, manhole bases and backfill shall be ready-mixed cement concrete, designed for 3,300 psi compressive strength after twenty-eight days, and shall meet all the requirements for Class A concrete as specified in Section 704 of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Publication 408.

Mortar used for manholes shall be machine mixed in an acceptable manner at the site by the contractor and shall consist of one-part Portland cement and two and one-half parts fine aggregate by volume. Water or other components shall not be introduced into this mix after removal from the mixer.

Special backfill material used for trench backfill shall consist of a well graded bank-run gravel in accordance with the following specification and should be free of any deleterious matter.

GRADATION REQUIREMENT

Liquid Limit, 25 percent – Maximum

Plasticity Index – 7 Maximum

Lumber used for sheeting may consist of any species which will satisfactorily stand driving. It shall be free from worm holes, loose knots, wind shakes, decayed or unsound portions, or other defects which might impair its strength or tightness. Its minimum thickness shall be two inches nominal. Lumber for bracing shall be sound and shall be equal to or better than No. 2 common yard lumber.

(c) Joints. The extra strength vitrified clay pipe shall have compression type joints conforming to ASTM Specifications C-425, Type III.

(d) Laying of Pipe. All sewers shall be laid true to line and grade with the bells upstream or upgrade. The sections of the pipe shall be laid and fitted together; then, when completed, the sewer will have a smooth and uniform invert. The pipe shall be kept thoroughly clean so that joining will be smooth and all joints will be watertight. Each pipe shall be inspected for defects before being lowered into the trench, and if defects are found even after laying of the pipe is completed, it shall be removed and replaced with a new pipe at the contractor’s expense. No water shall be allowed in the trench while pipes are being laid, and the exposed end shall be capped if left in trench for more than one hour without installing the new section. Not more than 100 feet of trench shall be opened in advance of pipe laying, unless permitted by the Township Engineer.

The interior of the sewer shall be kept cleared of all dirt as the work progresses.

To check the amount of infiltration, the contractor shall furnish, install and maintain a V-notch sharp crested weir, in a wood frame, tightly secured at the low end of each sewer lateral and at locations on the main sewers as directed by the Township Engineer. The maximum allowable infiltration shall be 200 gallons per mile per inch of diameter of sewer per twenty-four-hour day at any time. The joints shall be tight and visible leaking in the joints or leakage in excess of that specified above shall be repaired by any means found to be necessary. When infiltration is demonstrated to be within the allowable limits, the contractor shall remove such weirs.

Low pressure air testing as established by the National Clay Pipe Institute for determining defective pipe or pipe joints will also be accepted as a means of testing in place sanitary sewers.

All house connections will be furnished by laying a “Y” branch fitting with six-inch spur and an extra strength medium length thirty-degree curve with sufficient lengths of six-inch straight pipe to bring the connection two-feet beyond the face of curb and a stopper or disc as a standard house connection unit. Extra lengths of six-inch tile will be installed as directed by the Township Engineer. A smooth grade of at least four inches shall be utilized in these three sections of pipe, so that the invert on a standard house connection is four inches or more higher than the invert at the intersection of the “Y” branch and the barrel of the eight-inch pipe.

The contractor shall place a hardwood stake on the property line at the end of each service connection. The hardwood stake shall be topped with a marker labeled “Sewer.” The contractor shall locate and keep a record of all service connections by measurement to the nearest downstream manhole and shall deliver all measurements to the Township Engineer.

(e) Line and Grade. The contractor must test the pitch or grade of the top line and sewer, and will be held responsible for the correct flow of the sewers. The contractor must test the batter line with an accurate line level to test the downward grade of the pipe in the direction of flow. Three batter broads will be erected at all times to check the batter line. No claim for extra work will be allowed for alleged inaccuracy of grade stakes. Each pipe will be checked with a gauge rod and a plumb bob for line and grade. A laser beam system may be used for line and grade, subject to approval by the Township Engineer.

(f) Backfill. No sewers shall be backfilled above the top of the pipe until the sewer elevations, gradient and alignment, and the pipe joints, have been checked, inspected and approved. No heavy rock or boulders more than six inches in diameter will be allowed within three feet of the pipe, and no stones over one and one-half inches in diameter will be allowed in the first eighteen inches of the backfill.

The space between the pipe and the side of the trench shall be backfilled in four-inch layers and thoroughly tamped until a height of one foot above the pipe is reached, and then layers of six inches will be allowed before the tamping is performed. All backfill shall be tamped thoroughly to the required grade around all manholes and other appurtenances, as well as on the pipe line. Each layer shall be compacted to meet or exceed ninety-five percent of standard proctor (ASTM D698-78).

(g) Manholes. Manholes shall be precast reinforced concrete construction, with aluminum or plastic-coated manhole steps and O-ring rubber gaskets. Precast manholes shall meet or exceed ASTM Specification C-478. Eccentric cone top sections shall be used, unless a variance or waiver is furnished in writing by the Township Engineer.

A poured in place eight-inch concrete base of Class A concrete, as noted in the materials section, shall be constructed as a leveling pad before the precast manhole can be placed.

The contractor may, upon written request and written approval of the Township Engineer, construct brick or block manholes. Al bricks and blocks shall conform to accepted standards and shall be new and clean. The brick shall conform to ASTM Specification C-32, and the block shall conform to ASTM Specification C-139.

1250.07 UTILITIES

Every lot in a subdivision shall be capable of being served by gas, electrical and telephone utilities and the necessary easements shall be provided. Utility distribution lines shall be installed within street rights of way or within properly designated easements. To the fullest extent possible, underground utility lines should be located in easements along the rear property lines but when local conditions require installation in street rights of way, lines shall not be installed beneath existing or proposed paved areas and in any case shall be installed prior to the placement of any paving.

1250.08 STREET LIGHTS

The developer shall be responsible for making the necessary arrangements with the Township and the appropriate public utility company to install street lighting fixtures. However, whether or not street lights are initially installed, the developer shall be responsible for providing utility easements for future street lighting installations, upon consultation with the public utility company involved and the Board of Commissioners.

1250.09 STREET SIGNS

Street name signs of a type approved by the Board of Commissioners shall be installed at each street intersection by the subdivider, on locations specified by the Board of Commissioners.

1250.10 STREET TREES

Shade trees of deciduous hardwood types, with minimum diameters of two inches, may be planed by the landowner or developer between the curb and the sidewalk, provided the planting strip is a minimum of four feet wide. No tree shall be planted within two feet of either side of a street right of way line.

In addition to the requirements of these Subdivision Regulations, tree planting or removal shall comply with the regulations of Chapter 1024 of the Streets, Utilities and Public Services Code.

1250.11 SIDEWALKS

As of the effective date of these Subdivision Regulations (Ordinance 295-84, passed September 25, 1984), paved sidewalks shall be required to be installed, or arranged to be installed, by the lot owner or developer along all portions of a lot of record which are adjacent to a street right of way in the R-1, R-2 and B-1 Zoning Districts as delineated on the Official Zoning Map.

Within one year of such effective date, for existing developed lots without sidewalks within the above districts, the lot owner shall contact the Board of Commissioners to make arrangements to have said sidewalks installed. Within one year after the construction of a principal building on an undeveloped lot of record within the above districts, said sidewalks shall be installed. A vacant lot owner shall have sidewalks installed within one year after the construction of sidewalks on both sides of said vacant lot.

Sidewalks shall be placed along the inside edge and within the street right of way, unless deemed undesirable or unfeasible by the Board of Commissioners, where sidewalks may then be placed along the edge of the curb line. Paved driveways between the sidewalk and street cartway shall also be required where vehicular access is desired to the lot.

The installation of sidewalks may be delayed until the street is paved and a curb/underground storm drainage system is installed.

The work to be included is the installation of concrete walks in accordance with accepted practice and in compliance with the materials and methods of construction outlined below.

The minimum width for sidewalks shall be four feet, but the Board of Commissioners may require greater widths in the vicinity of shopping centers, schools and recreation facilities, or where similar intensive urban uses are anticipated.

(a) Materials. The sidewalk shall be built according to the latest edition of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Specifications, Publication 408, Section 676. Materials shall conform to Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Publication 408, as follows:

(1) Class A cement concrete – Section 704

(2) Aggregate sub-base – Section 350.2

(3) Premolded expansion joint filler – Section 705.1

(4) Concrete curing compound – Section 711.2

(5) Curing and protecting covers – Section 711.1

(6) Concrete admixtures – Section 711.3

The aggregate used in the production of concrete under this contract shall be from sources currently approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, and conform to their Specifications, Publication 408.

The minimum cement content shall be 6.0 sacks per cubic yard of concrete, and the same shall have a twenty-eight-day compressive strength of 3,300 psi.

The fresh concrete shall contain from four percent to seven percent volume of entrained air. Air determinations may be made by the Township Engineer or his/her representative and such changes as are necessary to maintain the required air content shall be made as directed.

(b) Forms. The forms shall be of straight material, so placed as to conform to the proper grade and shall be of straight-grained lumber at least one and five-eighths inches in thickness or of steel of equal strength and suitable for form use.

The Township Engineer may, upon inspection at any time, condemn the use of either wood or steel forms, if in his/her opinion they are unfit for use as sidewalk forms. Flexible strips of an approved type may be used on curves and shall be held rigidly to line and grade with properly placed stakes or braces. In no case shall forms be less than three and five-eighths inches in depth and in all cases the ground shall be undercut to provide a full four-inch concrete slab thickness.

(c) Preparation. Excavation shall be done to a depth as necessary below the finished grade as established under these specifications or as necessary to clear the area of vegetation or other objectionable material, and a backfill of at least four inches of sub-base material shall be placed and compacted under all areas to be covered with concrete. Sub-base material shall be included, unless specifically deleted by the Township Engineer.

In all cases where the surface of the ground is below the finished surface of the sidewalk, it will be necessary for the contractor to make a tamped earth fill on either side of the walk, bringing the fill flush with the top of the walk for a distance of one foot from either side, the fill to have a slope to the original surface not to be less than three to one.

In all cases where the surface of the ground is above the finished surface of the sidewalk, it will be necessary for the contractor to continue his/her excavation a distance of at least one foot on either side of the walk, at the finished grade of the walk, and then continue his/her cut to the original ground surface, with a side slope of at least two to one, or as directed by the Township Engineer.

All castings, such as manhole tops, grates or areaways, water and gas stops, etc., shall be adjusted by the contractor to set even with the surface of the finished walk.

Forms shall be set so as to allow for a square vertical edge and a thickness of a full four inches in walking areas and a minimum six-inch walk in driveway areas, and also to allow for a slope of the walk toward the curb which shall, under regular conditions, be three eighths of an inch per foot.

The contractor shall adjust the grade at street corners so as to conform as nearly as possible to the curb grades on each street. In case of a great difference between the grade of two walks at a street corner, the Township Engineer shall be notified and he/she will give direction as to the extent that the surface of each walk may be warped to meet at the same grade at the corner.

Expansion joints shall be placed at all points where the proposed walk meets the existing walk, curbs, driveways, catch basins, utility castings, etc., as well as at any point where the walk changes in direction forty-five degrees or more. In no case shall the distance between expansion joints be greater than 100 linear feet. Expansion joints shall be placed to the full width of the walk and to separate the proposed walk completely from utility castings, curbs, etc.

(d) Depositing Concrete. After mixing, the concrete shall be handled rapidly and the successive batches deposited in a continuous operation, until individual sections are completed. Under no circumstances shall concrete that has partly hardened be used. The forms shall be filled and the concrete brought to the established grade.

Concrete shall not be deposited when it appears likely that the air temperature may fall below forty degrees Fahrenheit during the pouring or within the following twenty-four hours, unless preparations are made and precautions taken to prevent any damage to the concrete resulting from the low temperatures. When placing concrete in cold weather, the contractor shall plan and prosecute his/her work in a manner which will assure satisfactory results. Concrete shall not be deposited on a frozen foundation. Any concrete damage by freezing shall be removed and replaced by the contractor at his/her own expense.

Concrete, when deposited in the forms, shall have a temperature of not less than fifty-five degrees Fahrenheit, nor more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The concrete shall be maintained at not less than the minimum temperature of fifty-five degrees Fahrenheit for at least seventy-two hours after placing, or longer if necessary, until the concrete has thoroughly hardened.

The walk shall be cut into square slabs not exceeding fifty square feet in area, by cutting the slab or by use of forms. Cuts shall be continuous and shall be cut to a depth of at least one-third of the slab thickness. The cuts shall be made straight across the center, lengthwise, in all walks over eight feet wide and straight across in all widths of walks. After the initial cut, the concrete shall be finished as later specified and final cuts shall be made with a trowel on the line of previous cuts to at least one-third of the slab thickness, and the cuts creased and outer edge rounded with a finishing tool having a one-half inch radius. Lines for all cuts must be marked on forms before cuts are made. Where division plates are used, the surface edges of each slab shall be rounded to a one-half inch radius before removal of division plates.

After the concrete has been brought to the established grade by means of a strike-board, it shall be worked to give a medium tough surface. In no case shall dry cement or a mixture of dry cement and sand be sprinkled on the surface to absorb moisture or to hasten hardening. The surface shall be floated with a wooden float only, producing an even gritty finish. On wide sidewalks the finish may be done with two applications of a canvas belt, not less than six inches wide, and two feet longer than the width of the sidewalk. For the first application, the belt shall be drawn across the surface with vigorous strokes at least twelve inches long, and moved ahead very slightly with each stroke. The second application shall be given immediately after the water glaze or sheen disappears. The stroke of the belt shall be not more than four inches, but the longitudinal motion shall be greater than during the first application. No other method shall be used unless approved by the Township Engineer prior to the installation.

The surface edges of all slabs shall be rounded to a radius of one-half inch.

Concrete walks shall be protected from rain storms by a tarpaulin or by a covering of wet paper and sand, and protected during the hot weather, after setting for a few hours by being covered with sand and wetted every day for three days. A chemical curing agent, as approved by the Township Engineer, may be used in place of wet sand. A barricade of at least three feet in height shall be placed around the walk to protect it while setting.

Red lights must be maintained all night on barricades and on all materials piled outside the property line as long as they remain in the public thoroughfare.

(e) Testing. The contractor shall, at his/her expense, have four cylinders made and tested, one at seven days and three at twenty-eight days to verify the compressive strength of the concrete. One set of cylinders shall be required for every additional 100 cubic yards of concrete poured.

A discrepancy of ten percent of the requirements shall be cause for complete replacement. However, any discrepancy shall, and will, at the Township Engineer’s option, be cause for replacement.