The Fort Boone Pump Station Relocation and Capacity Upgrade project demonstrates Palmer Engineering’s expertise in water and wastewater infrastructure design, strategic planning, and stakeholder coordination.

The existing Fort Boone Pump Station was an aging facility and a recurring source of Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs). To resolve these issues, Palmer Engineering designed a new, larger-capacity pump station downstream, allowing for the future elimination of three private pump stations while accommodating additional flows and inflow/infiltration.

Planning and Evaluation

A Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) was completed to evaluate three alternatives, each considering:

• Sewershed impacts of potential pump station locations

• Capital and operational costs

• Overall collection system capacity improvements

This analysis identified the optimum solution for the Frankfort Sewer Department (FSD) while maintaining flexibility for future system needs.

Collaborative Design Approach

During the design phase, Palmer worked closely with Buffalo Trace Distillery, which operated two pump stations on a shared force main. With the distillery’s property changing ownership and use, two stations were able to be decommissioned. Through collaboration, FSD was able to take ownership of the existing force main, reducing construction costs and providing long-term savings in operations and maintenance.

Palmer also coordinated with multiple property owners and managed the acquisition of easements, ensuring smooth project delivery.

Challenges and Solutions

The project faced unexpected challenges, including the discovery of an unmapped gas line in the construction area. Extensive coordination with the gas utility and revisions to the design were required to resolve the conflict. When the initial contractor abandoned the site, Palmer adapted the design to account for partially completed work and prepare the project for completion with a new contractor.

Project Details

• Estimated Construction Cost: $500,000

• Engineering Fees: $60,700

• Scope: Relocation of pump station, capacity upgrades, easement acquisition, coordination with stakeholders, and system integration

Impact

The Fort Boone Pump Station Relocation Project is a prime example of Palmer Engineering’s ability to deliver cost-effective wastewater infrastructure solutions while improving system reliability, reducing overflows, and collaborating with key stakeholders.