The Lift Station 87 Wet Weather Flow Transfer project consisted of the design and construction of a new 3.5 MGD lift station, three miles of 16” force main, modifications to an existing pump station to connect the new force main and replacement of aging utility access holes and 460 ft. of degrading sanitary sewer pipe.
This project addressed the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)’s provision to construct a system allowing city personnel to transfer sanitary sewer flows during heavy rain events between regional sanitary collection basins, balancing wet weather flows between the Southwest and Northwest Sanitary Service areas, improving efficiency and reliability.
The lift station is housed in a 12-ft.-tall acoustical enclosure and the exterior features a mural reflective of the community, created by local artist Jabari Reed-Diop (iBOMS), in partnership with the city, the St. Pete Art’s Alliance and the Childs Park Neighborhood Association. Residents also assisted the project team with the design and assembly of the surrounding landscaping, further inspiring the partnership between the project team, the city and the local community.
Embracing Progressive Design-Build Efficiencies
The city chose Progressive Design-Build (PDB) as the project delivery method to meet a demanding 13-month schedule to ensure the project was completed prior to the 2022 wet weather flow season. PDB allowed the project team to procure long lead materials and equipment at 30% design, accelerate the design phase to establish a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) at 60% design, and utilize multiple crews and shifts to accelerate construction.
Through design efficiencies, the team was able to expand the sanitary sewer replacements beyond the original scope, while remaining within the budget. During the early design phase, the Owner identified several sections of existing sanitary sewer, previously slip-lined and failed, to have replaced. The project team evaluated, budgeted and scheduled this work to be completed concurrently with the wet weather flow transfer facility while keeping within the original budget.
The final design and construction addressed flexibility, capacity challenges, odor/noise concerns, reduced impacts to the traveling public, and supported the community’s desire to improve the neighborhood appearance with a custom-designed mural and landscaping. In a first for the city and honoring its commitment to the community, the project anticipates achieving the sustainability and resiliency goal of Envision certification.
Design-Build Team
| Client/Owner: | City of St. Petersburg |
| Design-Build Firm: | Archer Western Construction, LLC |
| Engineer: | Wade-Trim |
| Specialty Contractors: | Dialogue PR; Birkitt Environmental Services, Inc.; Arehna Engineering, Inc. |
| Project Cost: | $11.5 Million |
| Construction Duration: | 7 Months |
