The USACE Memphis District, Shelby County, and the City of Memphis jointly developed a local flood control network operated by the City of Memphis. A series of six strategically placed pumping stations relieve rain-swollen creeks and storm sewers by lifting millions of gallons of water over levees when the Mississippi River reaches flood stage levels. These stations typically sit idle but are called into duty when monitored river levels are high enough to require their use.
Situated at 1522 North Bellevue Boulevard, the Cypress Creek Pumping Station lifts approximately 3,000 cubic feet per second (CFS) of water to the Wolf River from an impoundment along Cypress Creek near Lucille Price Park. Constructed in the 1940s by the USACE’s Memphis District, the station was turned over to the City of Memphis for ownership, operation, and maintenance. Although the station was well maintained, the facility was still operating with its original equipment. Having concerns with continuing to operate and maintain aged equipment, in 2012, the City of Memphis asked BH to perform an evaluation and prepare construction documents to rehabilitate the station’s electrical systems. The project involved the replacement of electrical components from the two service entrances through all 480V and 120V distribution equipment, but excluded the six primary 2,000 HP synchronous pump motors. The work included the 15 kV switchgear, feeders, and branch circuits; the 480V distribution equipment and select 240V and 120V branch circuits; and the controls and wiring. Lighting, emergency/exit lighting, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors have also been replaced or added. A new lightning protection system was also provided.
As a part of this project, the structural integrity of the aerial tower carrying the medium voltage service to the building was evaluated and the service routed from the top of the tower vertically along the tower face to underground duct banks. The existing tower was loaded laterally in two directions by the aerial service. The new routing path impacted the loading in one direction. Our subconsultant field evaluated the steel structure and prepared design drawings for the structural and electrical improvements to the tower in order to bring the service from overhead to the duct banks at the tower base. Included in the design was a guying system to address the new load conditions.
In addition to design and preparation of contract documents, BH supported the City with permitting; bidding; and construction administration services, including Resident Inspection. We are currently providing start-up assistance.
Water Resources
