The Challenge of Aging Infrastructure

In the town of Montrose, nestled along the Hudson River, stands a towering Montrose Elevated Water Tank. The 300,000-gallon water tank has served its community dutifully since the 1940s. Over the years, the elements had taken their toll, and the tank's condition had deteriorated significantly. While the bowl remained relatively unscathed, the riser, the very heart of this water tower, bored the scars of time. It was riddled with holes, and extensive pitting illustrated its countless battles against rust and corrosion.

For the Montrose community, this water tank was not just a piece of infrastructure; it was a lifeline. It ensured a steady supply of fresh water to households and local businesses. However, time had caught up with this aging sentinel, and it was in dire need of a revival.

The Comprehensive Plan

The task at hand was to restore this aging structure to its former glory. The community needed a solution, and that's when Alpine stepped in. The project was ambitious, requiring extensive lead abatement both inside and outside the tank, complete surface restoration, structural repairs, and the installation of new safety features.

The challenge extended beyond the tank's aging facade. Alpine was entrusted with the responsibility of not only preserving the historic water tank but also ensuring it complied with modern safety standards. This included critical upgrades mandated by OSHA - new railings, ladders, and hatches to guarantee the safety of those tasked with its care.

Transformation Takes Shape

Alpine began the assignment with the construction of a scaffold that encased the entire height of the water tower. A colossal structure in its own right, this scaffold soared to nearly 150 feet. It wasn't just a scaffold; it was a containment chamber designed to seal the work area and prevent the spread of dust and debris. The Montrose Water Tank was a lead abatement project, and ensuring the safety of both workers and the environment was paramount.

With the containment in place, Alpine embarked on the restoration. They began by fully blasting the tank's exterior and interior, stripping away the years of neglect. A surface stripped down to bare metal was their canvas. This was followed by a meticulous priming process, and then an intermediate coat to ensure the tank's longevity. On the exterior, a top coat of high-solids polyurethane was applied, while on the inside, zinc and an intermediate coat took their place.

Alpine's responsibilities extended beyond the tank's exterior. They undertook comprehensive underground work, excavating to run new conduits and control wiring from the boiler building, situated 200 feet away. The vaults were overhauled, controls replaced, and new volt piping was meticulously installed within the tower. Finally, regrading brought a fresh face to the surroundings.

Navigating Challenges

The Montrose Water Tank project wasn't without its fair share of challenges. The structure's vintage presented a considerable hurdle. As it turns out, what lay beneath the surface was as unpredictable as it was essential. While the bowl was relatively forgiving, the riser had concealed its wounds. As Alpine's team delved deeper into the project, they discovered the extent of the damage was far greater than anticipated. A comprehensive assessment by engineers revealed the need for additional repairs, and a change order became inevitable. Although the original completion date had been set for March/April 2023, these unexpected developments pushed the estimated completion date to December 2023.

The project's location near residential areas also posed its unique set of challenges. Work couldn't commence before 8:00 a.m. to ensure minimal disruption to the neighboring homes. The ever-present wind, gusting in from the nearby Hudson River, had to be constantly monitored. Alpine even set up a weather station to gauge wind speeds, making crucial decisions about when and how work could proceed.

A Valuable Partnership

Throughout the project, Alpine maintained constant communication with the client, ensuring that their needs and expectations were met at every turn. Alpine's commitment to quality and safety was evident in their attention to detail and their close collaboration with inspectors. They held steadfastly to the client's best interests, consistently delivering outstanding value.

The project was not without its unique intricacies. Alpine's team faced the challenge of an extensive network of unmarked utilities while completing the underground work. The excavation was a high-stakes operation, with a single wrong move potentially resulting in $1,000 in damages. However, the team's meticulous planning and expert execution ensured that not a single utility line was harmed.

A Testimony to Expertise

The Montrose Elevated Water Tank project, with all its complexities, stands as a testament to Alpine's commitment to excellence. The transformation of this aging structure is a narrative of dedication and expertise. While it presented unique challenges, Alpine navigated them with precision and care, ensuring that the community's lifeline would continue to stand tall and proud.

The partnership between Alpine and the Montrose community isn't just about restoring infrastructure; it's about preserving a way of life. Alpine Painting's legacy of quality, reliability, and expertise shines through, reinforcing the idea that there's no challenge too great when it comes to safeguarding the foundations of our communities.

Client Feedback: "Alpine Painting was selected during a government bid process for a repair to a 50+ year above-ground water storage tank. Their engineering expertise, professionalism, and their staff's attentiveness to our needs to address this deteriorating water tank have been a welcome facet for this repair process. Alpine’s team has been the ‘real deal’ in addressing difficult structural issues with an aging site infrastructure component." – Mark C.