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Systems Conveyance and Operations Program

Geotechnical Exploration | Pipeline Project

Project Description

The Clean Water Coalition (CWC) proposed the implementation of the Systems Conveyance and Operations Program (SCOP) to provide an alternative discharge location for wastewater effluent from the Las Vegas Valley. At the time, treated wastewater was being discharged to Lake Mead through the Las Vegas Wash. The proposed SCOP would collect highly treated effluent from the three treatment facilities and convey it to Boulder Basin in Lake Mead. From there, it would be discharged into the deep water of the lake through a diffuser. The planned location of the diffuser was north of the Boulder Islands. The proposed pipeline alignment would run from Lake Mead, through the River Mountains, and north along the existing Las Vegas Wash to treatment plants.

Team Members

Clean Water Coalition, Black & Veatch Corp., Crux Subsurface Inc.

Crux’s Role

Crux was contracted to provide drilling and geophysical services to locate potential pipeline alignments, provide information for the tunnel system construction, and develop a foundation design for the diffuser. Both land-based and offshore exploration drilling were required for the 14-mile alignment.

Project geology was variable along proposed land-based alignments, consisting of Precambrian-age metamorphic rock, Tertiary-age alluvium, and extrusive and intrusive volcanic rock. Subsurface conditions under Lake Mead consisted of Quaternary deposits underlain by intrusive and extrusive volcanic rock, as well as deep un-cemented sedimentary units.

In addition to obtaining high-quality samples, Crux provided a suite of in-situ testing completed by Crux Oriented Borehole Logging (COBL) services. Testing included optical and acoustical televiewer, natural gamma, temperature profile, permeability testing, hydro-frac testing and rock-strength modulus testing.

Logistics and access to boring locations, in combination with poor geologic conditions, created a challenging drilling environment. Crux was required to provide a drilling program that minimized environmental impact, which necessitated drill fluids and spoils containment, as well as specialty fueling systems.  Minimal environmental impact also required collaboration with the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. National Park Service to develop Best Management Practices (BMPs) for land-based and offshore drilling operations.

Difficult Access

The offshore exploration program consisted of drilling shallow borings along the proposed diffuser alignment in water depths exceeding 250 feet. Crux utilized a custom barge system for accessing and working in these water depths.

The land-based exploration program consisted of drilling HQ3 borings to depths of 1,000 feet in the River Mountains, and several borings along the remaining alignment to depths 100-500 feet. Access to land-based borings required truck-mounted, track-mounted and helicopter-portable equipment.

To request additional information, please use our Contact Page or call 866-CRUXSUB (866-278-9782).