Open Heart Surgery: Replacing a WRRF’s Flood-Damaged Main Pumping System

An unusually intense rainfall created sewer system surcharging and flooding at the Niagara Falls Water Board’s water resource recovery facility in July, 2013. The interceptor receded the next day, but vital areas of the plant remained flooded and offline, including the main pumping station. Multiple contractors were retained on an emergency basis to quickly commence work, including deploying a temporary influent pumping system and restoring the main pumps for interim use while a replacement system was planned and acquired. These repairs are continuing through 2016, as the replacement system project encountered unusual and complex equipment performance problems. After many equipment and control system modifications, the magnetic variable speed system already installed on three of the four pumps required replacement with an electrical type of system. Associated improvements have simplified system operation and will help prevent a reoccurrence during future storms.