Santa Clara Valley Water District Members Save the Day in Pipeline Emergency

Several Local 21 members who are a part of the Santa Clara Valley Water District’s Engineers Society (ES) and Professional Managers Association (PMA) recently responded to two serious water pipeline leaks near Highway 85 in San Jose. An emergency was declared because of possible erosion and collapse of the highway, as well as damage to nearby utilities and Union Pacific's railroad.

Our members were part of the District team that assessed the situation, drew up safety plans, mobilized traffic detours, isolated the leak, and performed the initial repairs to bring the pipeline back into service quickly and safely. PMA President Jim Crowley and VP Art Taylor played an integral part in the effort, along with more than a dozen ES and PMA Members. 

(Photo: ES member Aaron Baker jumps into action during an emergency pipeline leak; Photo by Marty Grimes)