Voznesenka

In 2017, under a VSW PER term contract, Kuna completed a PER and ER for the community of Voznesenka, located about 23 miles northeast of Homer. Through this PER, we evaluated options to meet the growing community’s potable water needs; many residents did not have piped water and local shallow groundwater did not meet water quality criteria. Working with VSW, Kuna went door-to-door through the community to seek input on potential options for meeting the water challenges, also capturing accurate water requirements (including population counts). Kuna assisted VSW with accurately completing the SDS inputs for the project, enabling the community to receive funding through the first VSW funding cycle. Building upon our successful PER, we provided subsequent design services to VSW for the upgraded water system that included installation of a new water main loop to extend and improve service to new and existing residences. Our design work encompassed civil, mechanical, and electrical elements. During preliminary engineering, we discovered the existing system was under-pressured and didn’t meet ADEC regulations. We were able to quickly bring this unexpected issue to VSW. We were able to design booster pumps without impacting the project’s schedule and reducing the cost impact. We worked closely with ADEC during design which minimized permitting review times.

Following acceptance of the design, we supported VSW’s bidding and selection of a contractor; our thorough design and subsequent construction administration (CA) support enabled the construction to be completed on schedule and with zero contractor change orders. Construction was completed in early 2023 and residents have received clean potable water for more than a year. Kuna is currently supporting VSW and the community with upgrades to the water treatment plant, including the addition of new pumps, granular activated carbon (GAC) filters, and a new disinfection system.