A Major Pumping Station's Second Rehabilitation (Once Was So Nice, We Did It Twice)

The Niagara Falls Water Board's largest pumping station, the Gorge Pumping Station, was recently rehabilitated to restore its reliability and longevity. The facility was constructed the 1970's at the site of a former treatment plant, and had already been rehabilitated once in the early 1990's. Principal work under this project involved refurbishing the 500 hp pumps and motors to original manufacturer specifications. Variable frequency drives were replaced with three new units. Piping and valve changes were made for improved station operation. A new control and telemetry system was also developed and installed. Although the process of pump rebuilding proved more difficult and time consuming that expected, the results were quite acceptable and will achieve environmental improvements while delivering an effective and economic operation for the users and customers.