Dated Infrastructure Costs Rise to $2 Million Since 2005, Harbor Director Says

Leak in fire supply line to El Torito Mexican Restaurant the latest in county repairs needed to bring aging Dana Point Harbor infrastructure up-to-date

Construction crews are working to repair a fire line leak at the Dana Point Harbor. Similar repairs have cost an estimated $2 million since 2005, county officials said. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

By Andrea Papagianis

Heavy machinery and signage reading All businesses open during construction have recently provided a greeting for visitors of the Dana Point Harbor.

With concrete walkways torn up and deep trenches dug, construction crews are working to replace a leaky pipe leading to El Torito Mexican Restaurant.

A large trench was dug near El Torito Mexican Restaurant and the Dana Point Harbor so a fire supply pipeline could be replaced. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

Similar repairs and maintenance to aging infrastructure throughout the port have cost an estimated $2 million since 2005, said OC Dana Point Harbor Director Brad Gross. In addition to that, the current repairs are likely to cost another $100,000, he said.

The leak started in a fire supply line to El Torito. Crews repaired the line, but a required fire inspection and subsequent pressure test turned up problems with original materials. An increase in pressure requirements proved too much for the original pipes, and caused additional failures in the line, Gross said.

A larger portion of the pipeline is now being replaced with a material able to withstand current water pressure requirements, he said. Pipe replacement could be wrapped up in the next few days, Gross said, followed by the replacement of a concrete walkway and steps to the restaurant.

Aside from messy walkways and bulky machinery, Gross said businesses are operating as usual.

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Dated Infrastructure Costs Rise to $2 Million Since 2005, Harbor Director Says