Article by Lauren Svatek
Lift Station #1 was thoroughly inspected in August 2022 by FBMUD47’s engineers and recommendations were submitted for improvements on the site. Due to the age of the infrastructure, the scope of the project was to include both major and minor repairs/improvements.
The US Environmental Protection Agency describes Lift Stations as “Wastewater lift stations are facilities designed to move wastewater from lower to higher elevation through pipes. Key elements of lift stations include a wastewater receiving well (wet-well), often equipped with a screen or grinding to remove coarse materials; pumps and piping with associated valves; motors; a power supply system; an equipment control and alarm system; and an odor control system and ventilation system”. For more in-depth information, visit:
https://www3.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/sewers-lift_station.pdf
Specifically, LS#1 required recoating of the wet well which was deteriorating due to age and was a significant and crucial part of the project. The range of the project included more operational improvements listed below.
As with any project of this magnitude, unexpected incidents occurred during the project. Residents in the surrounding area complained about noise, especially in the evening and night. This was found to be caused by the bypass pump which was installed to pump the wet well while it was prepped for coating and coated. Several measures were taken to muffle as much of the noise as possible. There was also a minor discharge of debris caused by temporary failure of the bypass pump. The contractor corrected the issue and cleaned the site.
This was a crucial and essential project to maintain important wastewater infrastructure. This was a joint project between the District and FB MUD 48 as LS #1 serves both MUDs. Projects such as these can be inconvenient but are vital elements in maintaining the system.
The project officially started on January 24, 2024 and was anticipated to be complete by August 21, 2024. The project was completed ahead of schedule on July 24.