Project name: Salmon Creek Treatment Plant Phase 5A: Package 2 – Columbia River Effluent Pipeline

Location: Vancouver, Washington

Completion: November 2024

Cost: $20,017,343

Owner: Clark Regional Wastewater District

Engineer: Jacobs

General Contractor: Tapani Inc.

Submitting Company: Tapani Inc.

Subcontractors: A-Line Asphalt Maintenance, Abernathy, Able Fence, Advanced American Construction, Copper Mechanical, Glacier Drilling & Dewatering, Gonzales Boring and Tunneling, Grayling Engineers, HD Fowler, Industrial Inspection & Services, Karvonen Sand & Gravel, Longhorn Geomatics, North 40 Fencing, North Fork Landscape, Pauley, Tap Master, Tyeco Home Services

After years of strategic planning, Tapani has completed a major infrastructure project that will serve Clark County, Washington, residents for the next half-century.

The Phase 5A: Package 2 project at the Salmon Creek Treatment Plant involved installing approximately 6,000 feet of 48-inch effluent pipeline, creating a new treated wastewater outfall system with unique engineering challenges. This project was both significant and unique due to its complex route and engineering challenges. Unlike typical outfalls that simply discharge into water, this one had to navigate two fish-bearing rivers and pass beneath an active railroad.

The project included a bored crossing of the BNSF railroad, crossings of both Salmon Creek and Lake River, and connections to existing infrastructure. Tapani collaborated with Clark Regional Wastewater District (CRWWD) and engineers to redesign aspects of the project before construction began.

In a significant cost-saving measure, the team replaced the originally proposed steel pipe with high-density polyethylene (HDPE), saving CRWWD approximately $350,000 while reducing the project schedule by three weeks.

Safety remained paramount throughout construction, with all team members completing specialized marine training before work began. Advanced American Construction provided critical support by constructing a bridge capable of supporting heavy equipment, allowing access to otherwise unreachable areas.

The completed infrastructure will support long-term population and economic growth in Clark County while enhancing environmental protection of local waterways. By increasing wastewater management capacity, the system now accommodates projected growth for the next 50 years while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

The investment strengthened the community’s foundation for continued prosperity while preserving natural ecosystems for future generations.

“The Phase 5A/Package 2 project builds on decades of planning to ensure that the Discovery Clean Water Alliance could meet the region’s long-term wastewater treatment needs and continue to ensure public health, environmental quality, and the local area’s economic future growth,” Bob Sanguinetti, CRWWD district construction program manager, said in the Top Projects submission form.

This project did not have specific minority contracting goals or requirements. However, Tapani proactively sought opportunities to engage DBE, SBE and WBE firms, exceeding 12.5 percent utilization.

The successful Package 2 project follows Tapani’s earlier completion of Phase 5A: Package 1 at the same facility, continuing a multi-year improvement initiative for the region’s wastewater treatment capabilities.

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Project name: Lieser Road Bridge – Emergency Bridge Repair

Location: Vancouver, Washington

Completion: August 2024

Size: 1,700 square feet

Cost: $1,236,371

Owner: Washington State Department of Transportation

Architect: Washington State Department of Transportation

Engineer: Washington State Department of Transportation

General Contractor: Tapani Inc.

Submitting Company: Tapani Inc.

Other Key Participants: Otak Engineering, Richey Wrecking, Schneider and Sons

Subcontractors: Brothers Concrete Cutting, CMC Steel Fabricators, Contech Services, Green Sweep Asphalt Service, Karvonen Sand & Gravel, Mill Plain Electric, Ness Campbell Crane + Rigging, Pacific Rim Service and Construction,  Ralph’s Concrete Pumping, Richey Wrecking, Schneider and Sons, Specialized Pavement Marking, Storie Barriers, The Bag Lady, W.E. Coates Surveying

A vital transportation link in Clark County is back in service following the successful completion of emergency repairs to the Lieser Road Bridge on Highway 14.

The project became necessary after a semi-truck accident severely damaged a 102-foot prestressed bridge girder, threatening the structural integrity of this critical overpass that serves approximately 8,900 vehicles daily. The overpass is a crucial lifeline connecting SR 14 to central Vancouver and PeaceHealth Hospital. It also is an essential route for travelers accessing major highways like I-5 and I-205.

Tapani, serving as general contractor, worked alongside the Washington State Department of Transportation to execute the complex repair plan, which included demolition and replacement of Girder 2G, repairs to Girder 2A and interior girders, and guardrail replacement.

To minimize public disruption, crews scheduled strategic night shifts and a carefully planned weekend closure of SR 14. The most intensive phase featured a remarkable 56-consecutive-hour closure dedicated to demolition and debris removal.

The project presented unique challenges due to the partial demolition requirements. Tapani brought in Otak Engineering to develop a specialized work plan with precise calculations predicting how the girder would respond during the excavator demolition process.

During demolition, Tapani partnered with Richey Wrecking, employing two excavators with breaking hammers to efficiently remove the damaged girder, deck, diaphragms, and barrier. This approach allowed for quick, precise work while maintaining project timelines.

After successful installation of the new girder, crews poured concrete to reconstruct the hinge diaphragm, intermediate diaphragm, end diaphragm, and bridge deck. A new 112-foot-long traffic barrier wall enhances safety for drivers, and fresh asphalt completed the restoration.

Throughout the project, safety remained paramount, particularly during night shifts and road closures. Extensive preplanning, daily coordination, and constant safety checks ensured all teams adhered to safety standards, from proper PPE usage to clear signage installation.

The project had a DBE contracting goal of 17 percent, and the project team met that target. Representatives noted that by partnering with diverse firms that brought valuable expertise to the job, they were able to deliver a high-quality project while supporting the growth of small and disadvantaged businesses in the industry.

“This project will ensure safe access for all travelers across the entire overpass, including designated shoulders for pedestrians and cyclists,” Sarah Hannon, WSDOT communications representative, said in the nomination form. “It will also restore this vital connection for travelers who use SR 14 to access Interstates 5 and 205.”

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Project name: Dog River Fish Screening & Passage Improvements

Location: Mt. Hood

Completion: November 2024

Size: 18,000 square feet

Cost: $2,607,356

Owner/Developer: City of The Dalles

Engineer: Jacobs

General Contractor: Tapani Inc.

Submitting Company: Tapani Inc.

Subcontractors: Arrow Timber Framing, Bar M Steel, Brothers Concrete Cutting, Columbia West Engineering, Emmert International, Hage Electric, Hood River Sand and Gravel, Ralph’s Concrete Pumping, Windsor Engineers

In the remote reaches of Mt. Hood National Forest, a critical infrastructure project has successfully secured the water supply for 15,700 residents while enhancing local fish habitat.

Tapani, in partnership with the City of The Dalles, recently completed a comprehensive river intake project that replaced an outdated dam with advanced fish screening and passage systems for the city’s municipal water supply. The complex undertaking required removing an existing gaging weir and transforming the dam’s spillway into a rock ramp fishway to support fish migration. The construction included six rock ramps, a new fish diversion channel, fish screens, a fish bypass flume, headgates and a control sill.

The Tapani team discovered that the dam’s bottom elevation was too high, which led to an unexpected full removal and replacement of the structure. Despite this challenge and the site’s extremely remote location, the team completed the project within the strict in-water work window. The isolation of the site required extensive coordination with vendors and suppliers, who needed precise directions due to the absence of cellular service in the area. The proactive approach helped avoid delays and ensured a smooth flow of materials throughout the project.

The team employed an innovative shoring technique that enhanced both safety and efficiency. By flipping the end of the shoring box upward, they maintained continuous footing formation while ensuring full trench protection. This method streamlined workflow, minimized downtime and reduced material costs and labor expenses.

Several partners were instrumental to the project’s success, including Arrow Timber Framing, Hage Electric, Bar M Steel and Emmert International, which handled heavy lifting and transport.

The Oregon Department of State Lands recognized the project with its prestigious Stream Award, highlighting the initiative’s innovation, environmental impact and lasting benefits.

Beyond improving infrastructure, the project serves as the main water supply for The Dalles, ensuring a reliable and sustainable source while supporting long-term economic growth. The fish passage systems contribute to protecting local ecosystems, striking a balance between the city’s water needs and environmental preservation.

As the city looks toward the future, this upgraded system stands as a testament to collaborative problem-solving and sustainable infrastructure development.

“This project supports a resilient water supply for the next century for the City of The Dalles and stewardship of cold, headwater streams near Mount Hood,” noted Jacobs Engineering’s Brady Fuller in the project nomination form.

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Tapani has expanded significantly in recent years, moving beyond its underground construction roots into the building sector while completing numerous projects throughout Clark County, Washington.

Despite growing to more than 700 employees, the company has maintained its family-oriented culture that has characterized the organization since its founding.

Tapani has made notable progress in Alternative Delivery, pursuing and securing projects requiring innovative approaches beyond traditional methods. This has established the company as a trusted partner for complex challenges, positioning it as an industry leader.

The company recently expanded its geographic footprint by opening a new office in Idaho. With five offices across three states, Tapani can better serve clients while delivering high-quality infrastructure projects.

Environmental stewardship remains central to Tapani’s operations. The company implements environmentally conscious practices, collaborating with various entities to build and restore infrastructure including hatcheries, fish ladders and dams. Specific measures include using biodegradable oils, thoroughly cleaning equipment to prevent spreading invasive species, and making necessary changes to protect natural ecosystems.
Tapani has developed essential community infrastructure including parks, schools, water systems and office spaces that support local economic growth. The company focuses on providing infrastructure that enhances quality of life and strengthens communities for future generations.

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