Pump stations are critical infrastructure that play an important role in safely transporting wastewater to the treatment plant. Underground pipes collect and carry wastewater from homes and businesses. Gravity then carries wastewater from the pipes to pump stations. In areas where the pipes are low underground, pumps are used to lift the incoming flow up to street level and send it to the treatment plant.
Pump stations run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The function of the stations may go unnoticed, but they play an essential role in protecting public health and our environment.
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The Ventnor Pump Station has undergone major renovations to improve its capacity and reliability. One key upgrade is the expansion of the wet well system. Wet wells are large holding tanks that collect incoming sewage and transfer it out of the station once it reaches a certain level. The wet well system in the Ventnor pump station was doubled in size to handle larger volumes—an essential improvement for managing heavy coastal flooding. Repairs to the rebar and a fresh interior coating were also completed.
Another key upgrade was the installation of a permenent bypass system, ensuring sewage can bypass the station during future maintenance or emergencies.
The dry well was painted and underwent LED lighting replacements. The pipes and pumps pictured below push the wastewater out of the pump station.
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Other upgrades completed at the site include a roof replacement, a new control unit and odor control system, bathroom renovations, and HVAC equipment upgrades.
Current efforts focus on upgrading the electric transformer to increase amperage. A temporary bypass of the pump station will be in place during the replacement of the station's electrical equipment. Electrical equipment being replaced includes the station’s automatic transfer switch, main distribution switchboard, and incoming power feed.
Additional site work to follow include the relocation of the entrance driveway, repaving of the pump station site, replacement of the existing site fence, and general site restoration.
The project is expected to cost approximately $4.4 million and is funded in part by the American Rescue Plan, which provided federal coronavirus relief funding to Atlantic County Government that included allocations for water and sewer investments.