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rye leak detection 931-289-2300
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A PRACTICAL APPROACH TO WATER AUDITS AND LEAK DETECTION LEAK DETECTION Presented By: RYE ENGINEERING PLC Consulting Engineers & System Operators Friday, March 15, 2013
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RYE ENGINEERING PLC Consulting Engineers & System Operators 4210 West Main Street Erin, TN 37061 Phone: (931) 289-2300 Fax (931) 289-2313 Leak Detection Services
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Experience and Qualifications Mike Sheppard, Senior Project Manager Water Distribution Manager CGW (Retired)Water Distribution Manager CGW (Retired) 35+ Years of Experience35+ Years of Experience Utility and Construction BackgroundUtility and Construction Background
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Why is Leak Detection Important? TN Comptroller’s Office After January 1, 2013After January 1, 2013 All Water Audits in AWWA FormatAll Water Audits in AWWA Format Reduce “REAL LOSSES”Reduce “REAL LOSSES”
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AWWA Water Balance
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Real Losses
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Water Main Leakage Service Line Leakage Water Main Leakage Service Line Leakage
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Apparent Losses Encountered
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Practical Approach to Water Audits Useful in Before Leak DetectionUseful in Before Leak Detection TOP DOWN ApproachTOP DOWN Approach Pre-Audit Survey – Not PerfectPre-Audit Survey – Not Perfect
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Who Can Help with Water Audit? TAUD – Classes, Circuit RidersTAUD – Classes, Circuit Riders Engineering ConsultantEngineering Consultant Leak Detection ConsultantLeak Detection Consultant
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Why Perform a Water Audit? A.Because Comptroller says so B.It’s the law C.It may actually be useful D.All of the above
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How Can a Water Audit Help with Leak Detection? Quantifies LeakageQuantifies Leakage Calculates Realistic Leakage Reduction GoalsCalculates Realistic Leakage Reduction Goals Answers: Is leak detection worth it?Answers: Is leak detection worth it?
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What Type of Audit Should I Do? TOP DOWN WATER AUDITTOP DOWN WATER AUDIT Use AWWA SoftwareUse AWWA Software AWWA M-36AWWA M-36
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TIPS for TOP DOWN initial AUDIT Keep it simpleKeep it simple Don’t search endlessly for dataDon’t search endlessly for data Set a time deadline (1/2 day)Set a time deadline (1/2 day)
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TIPS for TOP DOWN initial AUDIT Pull out last financial annual auditPull out last financial annual audit Get out your latest water loss calculation sheet from old methodGet out your latest water loss calculation sheet from old method Use information from the same FYUse information from the same FY GET STARTED!GET STARTED!
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What Information is Needed for a Quick, Top Down, Water Audit? 1.Distribution System Information 2.Financial Data 3.Operational Data 4.Water Balance Inputs
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Distribution System Information Miles of Transmission MainMiles of Transmission Main Number of Service ConnectionsNumber of Service Connections Average Operating PressureAverage Operating Pressure
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Financial Data Total Costs to Operate Water System ($)Total Costs to Operate Water System ($) Retail Water Rate ($ per MG)Retail Water Rate ($ per MG) Cost to Produce Water ($ per MG)Cost to Produce Water ($ per MG)
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Water Balance Inputs MAJOR COMPONENTS Water Produced from WTPWater Produced from WTP Water PurchasedWater Purchased Water Billed and Metered to CustomersWater Billed and Metered to Customers
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Water Balance Inputs Other Components DON’T GET HUNG UP ON THESE Unbilled Authorized ConsumptionUnbilled Authorized Consumption - Flushing, Fire Dept, Gov’t uses, etc. Validities – Calibration Schedules, etc.Validities – Calibration Schedules, etc.
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Water Balance Inputs Minor Components DON’T GET HUNG UP ON THESE either Adjustment for Meter Error (if known)Adjustment for Meter Error (if known) Adjustment for Tank Level Difference - (1 st Day vs. Last Day of Year)Adjustment for Tank Level Difference - (1 st Day vs. Last Day of Year) Other AdjustmentsOther Adjustments
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Water Balance Inputs Apparent Losses – Mistakes, InaccuraciesMistakes, Inaccuracies NOT LEAKSNOT LEAKS Most Important = Meter InaccuraciesMost Important = Meter Inaccuracies
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Water Balance Inputs Let’s look at the AWWA Audit Software……. Southern Middle TN Community Example Water System - BEFORE LEAK DETECTION.xlsx Southern Middle TN Community Example Water System - BEFORE LEAK DETECTION.xlsx
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What Outputs are Useful for Leak Detection? NRW – Non-Revenue WaterNRW – Non-Revenue Water CARL – Current Annual Real LossesCARL – Current Annual Real Losses UARL – Unavoidable Annual Real LossesUARL – Unavoidable Annual Real Losses ILI – Infrastructure Leakage IndexILI – Infrastructure Leakage Index
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NRW Non-Revenue Water Don’t Say “Unaccounted For Water” ANYMORE!Don’t Say “Unaccounted For Water” ANYMORE! NRW by % of Supply - TraditionalNRW by % of Supply - Traditional NRW by % of Operating Costs – REPORT TO COMPTROLLERNRW by % of Operating Costs – REPORT TO COMPTROLLER
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Non-Revenue Water
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CARL Current Annual Real Losses Total Water Leaking from System (MG)Total Water Leaking from System (MG) Calculated Value (not input data)Calculated Value (not input data) CARL/day or CARL/minute – gpmCARL/day or CARL/minute – gpm
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UARL Unavoidable Annual Real Losses May we call him “Earl”?May we call him “Earl”? Leakage that cannot be reasonably eliminated (MG)Leakage that cannot be reasonably eliminated (MG) “U Are Really Low”“U Are Really Low”
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UARL Unavoidable Annual Real Losses UARL/day or UARL/minute – gpmUARL/day or UARL/minute – gpm Target Number?Target Number?
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The CARL and UARL Relationship CARL and UARL are brothersCARL and UARL are brothers We are parentsWe are parents UARL is perfectUARL is perfect CARL is notCARL is not Our Goal: CARL to be more like UARLOur Goal: CARL to be more like UARL
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ILI Infrastructure Leakage Index CARL divided by UARLCARL divided by UARL ILI = 1 is the best we can hope forILI = 1 is the best we can hope for If ILI = 10 then we are leaking about 10 times what we should beIf ILI = 10 then we are leaking about 10 times what we should be
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Operational Indicators Useful in Leak Detection Let’s look at AWWA Audit Software…..Let’s look at AWWA Audit Software….. Southern Middle TN Community Example Water System - BEFORE LEAK DETECTION.xlsx Southern Middle TN Community Example Water System - BEFORE LEAK DETECTION.xlsx
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Financial Indicators Justifying Leak Detection Annual Cost of Real Losses How much are my leaks costing me?How much are my leaks costing me? If Annual Cost of Leak Detection and Repair is less than Annual Costs of Real Losses, then is it justified?If Annual Cost of Leak Detection and Repair is less than Annual Costs of Real Losses, then is it justified?
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Financial Indicators Justifying Leak Detection Let’s look at AWWA Audit Software….
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Water Balance Inputs Let’s look at the AWWA Audit Software……. Southern Middle TN Community Example Water System - BEFORE LEAK DETECTION.xlsx Southern Middle TN Community Example Water System - BEFORE LEAK DETECTION.xlsx
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After the TOP DOWN Audit If Audit Justifies Leak DetectionIf Audit Justifies Leak Detection What’s next?What’s next? Practical Approach to Leak DetectionPractical Approach to Leak Detection
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Practical Approach to Leak Detection 1.Meet and Listen to Utility Staff 2.Investigate System 3.Acoustic Leak Detection
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Utility Staff Meeting Questions 1.Can a map of distribution system and sewer system be provided? 2.How much water are we looking for? 3.From Audit: CARL-UARL = ____ gpm
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Effect of the Size of Distribution System on Water Loss ¼” dia = 15,000 gallons/day (625 GPH, 10 GPM) System #1: 50,000 GPD usage Results in a 30% water lossResults in a 30% water loss
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Effect of the Size of Distribution System on Water Loss ¼” dia = 15,000 gallons/day (625 GPH, 10 GPM) System #2: 3 MGD usage Results in a 0.5% water lossResults in a 0.5% water loss
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Pipe Leak Size Approximate Gallons Lost/Day Approximate Gallons Lost/Month Approximate Gallons Lost/Month x 5 Leaks 1/16” 36011,00055,000 1/8” 3,10096,000480,000 3/16” 8,400260,0001,300,000 1/4” 15,000465,0002,300,000 Leak Estimation Chart (60 PSI)
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50 GPM = 3,000 GPH = 72,000 GPD = 2,160,000 Gallons Per Month = $6,480 (@$3.00/thousand gallons/month) Value of a Leak
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4.Has there been a gradual increase in water loss? 5.Has there been a large increase recently in water loss? 6.What failures have been found within the distribution system? Utility Staff Meeting Questions
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Service line failures: polyethylene, galvanized, copper; Distribution System Failures
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Service Line Failures
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1.0 Million Gallon/Month Leak ($3000/Month) IMG_1268.MOV
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Main Lines IMG_1272.MOV
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Main line failures: PVC, cast iron, galvanized. Distribution System Failures
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7.What soil types are present? a.Limestone; b.Red clay; c.Sand; d.Sink holes. Utility Staff Meeting Questions, cont’d
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Sink Hole
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Investigate the System 1.Sewer System a.Check manholes b.Check flow between manholes c.Compare water usage of sewer customers v. water metered to sewer plant
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2.Storm Drainage a.Catch basins b.Monitor where drainage spills out Investigate the System
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3. River Crossings 4. Cross Country Lines 5.Examine areas that are not visible on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. 6.Meter Boxes – Automatic Read
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Acoustic Leak Detection 1.Start in older sections of system (downtown area) 2.Work outwards to newer areas 3.Daily Leak Log
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Acoustic Leak Detection
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Billing for Leak Detection 1.By the Mile 2.By the Hour
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By the Mile Based on length of water main surveyed Pros and Cons: 1.Pro: Fixed Price (Easy to Budget) 2.Con: Unknown Conditions in System
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By the Hour Based on time required to survey system Pros and Cons: 1.Pro: Promotes thoroughness 2.Pro: Can be less expensive with Utility’s assistance 3.Con: Price is Variable (Hard to Budget)
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Assistance from the Utility 1.Provide an employee a.Familiar with all meter locations b.Cuts time by 1/2 +/- c.Much time spent looking for meters
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2.Pre-mark listening points a.Paint / flag meters b.Paint arrows in road c.Can be done by meter reader Assistance from the Utility
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Manual Acoustic Leak Detection Vs.Correlators 1.Ground microphone – FCS X-Mic 2.PVC and Correlators – Sound conductivity 3. Listening on polyethylene / PVC services Short distancesShort distances
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4.Main line PVC leaks: a.Ground microphone b.Direct position over main c.Detector tape 5.Copper services - metallic Manual Acoustic Leak Detection
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6.Alternate methods: a.Valve pinch off b.Monitor low use times Manual Acoustic Leak Detection
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Results 1.New Factory built in Clarksville: New 16” DI line – 2000 L.F. Contractor: $40,000 on correlatorsContractor: $40,000 on correlators Contractor: 2 weeks spot diggingContractor: 2 weeks spot digging Rye Engineering: 3 hrs-LEAK FOUNDRye Engineering: 3 hrs-LEAK FOUND
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Results 2.Northern KY town located on Ohio River Approx. 4 weeks of leak detectionApprox. 4 weeks of leak detection 3.3 million gallons/month water loss detected3.3 million gallons/month water loss detected
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Results 3.Cumberland River Community 3 days of leak detection3 days of leak detection A savings of 600,000 gallons/monthA savings of 600,000 gallons/month
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Results 4.Western Montgomery County 6 weeks of leak detection6 weeks of leak detection Savings of 2 million gallons/monthSavings of 2 million gallons/month
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Results 5.Tennessee River community 2 days of leak detection2 days of leak detection Found one 6” main line split and one ¾” serviceFound one 6” main line split and one ¾” service
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Results 6.Clarksville Housing Authority (120 units) 5 days of leak detection5 days of leak detection A savings of 432,000 gallons/monthA savings of 432,000 gallons/month
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Results 7. Large rural system in Macon County 1 month of leak detection1 month of leak detection Reduced leakage from 54% to 15%+/-Reduced leakage from 54% to 15%+/-
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Results 8. West TN City near Mississippi River 2 days of leak detection2 days of leak detection With only partial survey reduced to under 20% leakageWith only partial survey reduced to under 20% leakage
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CASE STUDY 9. Southern Middle TN Community Non-Revenue Water = 46% +/- by VolumeNon-Revenue Water = 46% +/- by Volume CARL= 103 MG/yearCARL= 103 MG/year CARL / min = 198 gpm* = Leakage+/-CARL / min = 198 gpm* = Leakage+/- *Utility estimated165 gpm+/- of its flow was being lost due to leakage in March 2013*Utility estimated165 gpm+/- of its flow was being lost due to leakage in March 2013
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CASE STUDY Well Prepared Utility Zone Meters in PlaceZone Meters in Place Isolated Leak to Downtown AreaIsolated Leak to Downtown Area Narrowed Search: 30 mi down to 10 miNarrowed Search: 30 mi down to 10 mi
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CASE STUDY 2-1/2 Days of Acoustic Leak Detection2-1/2 Days of Acoustic Leak Detection Real Losses Found = 110 gpm – 150gpmReal Losses Found = 110 gpm – 150gpm 13 Total Leaks – All Service Lines13 Total Leaks – All Service Lines REPAIRS MADE DURING LEAK SURVEYREPAIRS MADE DURING LEAK SURVEY
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Types of Leaks
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Repairs
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Repairs
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Leaks Found
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Leaking Into Sewer Goes with Audio.MOV Goes with Audio.MOV
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Leaks Found Goes with Audio - 1.MOV
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Leak Sound - Faint Goes with Audio 0.MOV
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Sound of a Leak - Loud Goes with Audio 1.MOV
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Leaks Found gusher again.MOV
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Leaks Found Service Line Leak with Pump Out.MOV
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After Leak Detection Re-run Audit Software (for Leak Detection Purposes Only)Re-run Audit Software (for Leak Detection Purposes Only) Use Master Meter to Estimate Reduction in Real Losses (extrapolate for 1-year)Use Master Meter to Estimate Reduction in Real Losses (extrapolate for 1-year) Quantify Results and Compare with BeforeQuantify Results and Compare with Before Importance of Repair and MaintenanceImportance of Repair and Maintenance
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Quantify Results with AWWA BEFORE Leak Survey UARL = 20 MG/Year CARL = 103 MG/Year ILI = 5.2 NRW (vol)= 46% NRW ($) =20% Real Losses= $190,000/YR AFTER Leak Survey UARL = 20 MG/Year CARL = 26 MG/Year ILI = 1.3 NRW (vol)= 20% NRW ($) =7% Real Losses= $49,000/YR
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Re-run Audit Software Let’s go to the AWWA Audit Software…Let’s go to the AWWA Audit Software… Southern Middle TN Community Example Water System - PROJECTIONS AFTER LD.xlsx Southern Middle TN Community Example Water System - PROJECTIONS AFTER LD.xlsx
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Audit Phenomena Use the Audit Software to try what-ifsUse the Audit Software to try what-ifs Does it encourage higher operating costs?Does it encourage higher operating costs? How can a system with NRW = 46% (vol) not be in violation?How can a system with NRW = 46% (vol) not be in violation? What to do with the money saved?What to do with the money saved?
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What can you do with Money Saved? Spend?, Invest?, Save?Spend?, Invest?, Save? Replace Lines?Replace Lines? Replace Services?Replace Services? TimelinessTimeliness
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Pros and Cons of Purchasing Your Own Leak Detection Equipment Cost of EquipmentCost of Equipment Dedicated Employee(s) CostDedicated Employee(s) Cost TrainingTraining Shelving It!Shelving It!
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The Human Elements of Leak Detection It’s the Person – Not the equipmentIt’s the Person – Not the equipment Experience in Water Distribution SystemsExperience in Water Distribution Systems Not just “Technicians”Not just “Technicians” Grabbing the Low Hanging FruitGrabbing the Low Hanging Fruit
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RYE ENGINEERING PLC Consulting Engineers & System Operators 4210 West Main Street Erin, TN 37061 Phone: (931) 289-2300 Fax (931) 289-2313 Leak Detection Services THANK YOU!
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rye leak detection 931-289-2300
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