Aug. 12, 2008 — Construction to replace the geothermal pipes at Lassen High School has been completed just in time for school to begin tomorrow, Wednesday, Aug. 13. Pipes were replaced from Arnold Field to the boy’s gym and from the Lassen High School student center to the 100 building.

According to LUHSD Construction Project Manager and Alternative Education Principal Brett Mitchell, the pipes had to be replaced because the weld joints on the pipelines were faulty, causing the pipes to leak. The pipes were installed about three years ago.

The Lassen Union High School District Board of Trustees approved entering into an agreement with locally owned Impact Construction and Excavation to do the repairs during a special meeting on Tuesday, July 1.

Rick Gifford and Eagle Lake Plumbing also helped with the project.

According to Impact Construction owner Ryan Potter the project has been completed, inspected and received glowing remarks.

Dr. Robert Tice of Fiberglass Consulting and Construction of Vancouver, Wash., did the inspection and Potter said Tice stated, “There are no known or expected causes for future failure.”

Potter said the project involved cutting edge technology as the joints are designed to last 100 years in the harsh and corrosive geothermal environment.

Each fiberglass pipe is 40 feet long and a joint consisting of eight layers of fiberglass matting connects the pipes.

Geothermal heating pumps hot water from the ground through the pipes to heat the buildings. In addition to providing heat to the school, the pipes will also help melt the ice on the ground during the winter months.

The project was done at no cost to the district. The company that first installed the geothermal lines went bankrupt and because the company couldn’t pay for the repairs, a surety bond paid for the project.

Rather than just repairing the leaks, Mitchell said the surety offered to replace the whole pipe.