The City of San Diego’s Pump Station 1 (PS1) is the second largest and one of the most critical pump stations in the City’s wastewater collection system. Wastewater from the South Bay region is delivered to PS1 via the South Metro Interceptor and discharges at an average of 75 million gallons per day (MGD). PS1 has been in service since 1963 and has been upgraded in phases in 1979, 1992, and 1994.

Aging Infrastructure and Timeline Requirements

Faced with aging infrastructure and an increasing population, PS1 required upgrades to continue to meet the demand, regulations, and future growth of the community. The investigations phase of the project was used to provide accurate qualitative data that informed decisions in the remainder of the scope of services. The timeline of the project was condensed and necessitated the use of an alternative delivery style, design-build, to best accommodate success. This allows the designer and construction firms to work together throughout all phases of the project, promoting efficiency and collaboration. As an active wastewater pump station, PS1 needed to remain operational throughout the project lifecycle while upgrades were planned and constructed.

Coordinated Design-Build Approach

Kleinfelder, as the prime designer for the Filanc Construction-Kleinfelder design-build team, led the design across multiple engineering disciplines, including civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical, working in close collaboration with the City and Filanc. The team’s scope covered the design, construction, start-up, and commissioning of PS1 improvements. Key upgrades included rehabilitation of wet wells, replacement of six pumps and motors, installation of variable frequency drives (VFDs), enhancement of electrical systems, and modernization of critical instrumentation and control systems. To meet the regulatory deadline and avoid disruption to PS1’s essential services, the team implemented a bypass system, providing equivalent pumping capacity during wet-season replacements. Additionally, early procurement of long-lead items, such as motors, valves, and control systems, served to enable construction to begin by the first dry season of 2026.

Project Results

The $111-million PS1 project serves as a reminder that infrastructure in our modern communities must continue to meet demand, regulations, and population growth. Through a thoughtfully planned joint-venture approach, the Filanc-Kleinfelder team has leveraged their experience, collaboration between teams and City personnel, and proactive systems selection to keep wastewater flowing in San Diego.

Project Details

Location:
San Diego, CA
Owner:
City of San Diego