Sands Avenue Lift Station & Force Main Improvements

Project Overview

The Butler County Department of Environmental Services (BCDES) retained Ribway to address significant maintenance and capacity issues with the aging North Sands Lift Station. The lift station experienced frequent breakdowns, clogging, and inadequate pumping capacity, requiring a complete rehabilitation to improve reliability and efficiency.

Background

The existing lift station served as a critical component of the wastewater collection system but was nearing the end of its useful life. To meet current and future service demands, BCDES embarked on a project to modernize the lift station and associated force main infrastructure.

Ribway’s Scope of Services

Ribway was responsible for the design and construction engineering services for the project. Key tasks included:

• Design Services:
  • Reconstruction of the submersible wet well.
  • Replacement of the valve vault, pumps, valves, and piping.
  • Construction of approximately 1,200 feet of new force main using ductile iron or PVC.
  • Replacement of all electrical controls and provision for portable generator power.
• Construction Methodology:
  • Evaluation of force main installation methods, including directional drilling, pipe bursting, and open cutting. Open cutting was selected for cost-effectiveness and safety considerations.
• Engineering Services During Construction:
  • Review of shop drawings and contractor submittals.
  • Responses to contractor questions and change orders.
  • Site visits and inspections.
  • Preparation of record drawings.

Project Challenges

• Site Constraints:
  • The pumping station was constructed within a confined area, requiring creative design solutions to accommodate equipment and maintain access.
• Control and Monitoring Systems:
  • A specialized control and monitoring system was developed to suit the smaller size and capacity of the pump station.

Project Outcomes

• Capacity Upgrade:
  • The rehabilitated lift station was upgraded to handle a capacity of approximately 0.5 MGD, ensuring it could meet future service demands.
• Improved Reliability:
  • The replacement of outdated components, along with the installation of a modernized electrical system and portable generator power, significantly improved operational reliability.
• Force Main Construction:
  • The new force main installation using open cutting provided a cost-effective and durable solution.

Timeline

• Design Completion: March 2004
• Construction Start: April 2005
• Construction Completion: February 2006

Ribway’s design and engineering services ensured the successful rehabilitation of the North Sands Lift Station, extending its service life and improving performance for the Butler County community.