As often as some FOF members cycle and run along Aubrey L. White Boulevard, the construction was noticed almost immediately. But the reason for the closure of a portion of that popular roadway - and so much earthmoving that some began referring to the project as the “Big Dig” - was a mystery.
Calls by Board member Travis Nichols to the Washington State Department of Ecology and later, to the City of Spokane, answered most of our questions.
Turns out Northwest Pipeline Company owns and maintains a natural gas pipeline that crosses under the river in that location, which needed improvements in order for automated leak-detection devices known as “PIGs” to operate properly. These improvements, primarily radius reductions where the pipeline made sharp bends following shoreline contours, were reportedly mandated by Federal safety inspection requirements.
The work was pretty extensive, and normally would require a shoreline permit to execute, but in this case, an exception was granted by the City (as Lead Agency) due to the fact that the work is being performed on infrastructure put in place prior to the Shoreline Management Act. The exception form, for those interested, was issued as Z2007-35-SL, with copies sent to the Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Ecology.
Signs originally posted at the job site indicated the work would be completed by October 1, but now say December 1.
Concerned about the restoration and cleanup of the site after the digging is finished? Many, including Friends of the Falls, are. Call the City of Spokane Planning Department for more information on work Northwest Pipeline is required to complete, and like us, follow along.
Dig Photo (Pop-up image)
