Sarnia set to invest $796K in wastewater station upgrades

Proposed upgrades at two Sarnia wastewater pump stations aim to improve backup power reliability and help prevent basement flooding during outages.

Sarnia council is expected to approve a nearly $796,000 contract Monday for backup generator replacements at two wastewater lift stations in the city.

A report headed to council recommends awarding Contract 26-01 to Preferred Electric Ltd. for standby generator replacements at the Heritage Park and Murphy Road pump stations.

The total proposed contract value is $795,940.26, including the non-rebatable portion of HST and a three-year prepaid warranty maintenance program.

According to the report, the city operates 57 wastewater lift stations, including 47 active wastewater pump stations and four storm water pump stations. Twenty-five currently have emergency generators used during power outages to help prevent flooded basements.

City staff say several of the existing generators and pump controls have become obsolete, with replacement parts no longer available.

The Murphy Road station will also receive new dry well pumps and a layover laneway to improve site access from Murphy Road.

Seven bids were received when the tender closed April 1. Two were rejected as non-compliant. Preferred Electric Ltd. submitted the lowest compliant bid at $787,957.19 before the added warranty package.

The project is being funded through the city’s Wastewater Pump-Lift Station Improvements capital budget. Council is expected to consider the recommendation during its May 25 meeting.