Project Area
The pump station is located on NE 6th Drive between N Vancouver Way and NE Middlefield Rd.
What’s Happening Now?
Beginning late February and through March 2024, there will be activity at the project site, including delivery of materials, setting up staging of materials and equipment, and exploration and locating of current utilities. Major construction activities such as deactivation of the pump station and demolition will likely happen starting in April.
Pile Driving Proposed
Engineers are working with the construction contractor to propose and evaluate the best method to install the deep piles. A key goal of this project is to improve the pump station’s resiliency to earthquake damage. Deep supports or “piles” driven into the deep gravels are the most effective way to provide this earthquake resiliency.
Environmental Services is proposing the use of two different methods to install the earthquake support piles. First, a vibratory hammer would drive the piles down to a depth of about 100 feet. This type of hammer cuts into the soil using vibration alone, this method is quieter than other methods but may create some minimal vibration.
Second, the piles would be driven down the remaining 10 feet to deep underlying gravel using an impact hammer. This method uses a large hammer to drive the piles down to the bearing material. It can be noisy and creates some noticeable vibration.
Driven piles installed using vibratory and impact hammers are the most cost effective and quickest method to support the pump station. Using this method for this portion of the pump station upgrade will take about four weeks to complete, instead of several months for other support methods. They are also the best way to support the pump station in these soil conditions.
Next Steps
Environmental Services has used this construction method successfully many times. We understand that there may be some concerns about the potential for noise and vibration near the construction site. Neighbors closest to the NE 6th Drive Pump Station site have been contacted directly to provide more specific information. Our staff are working directly with potentially affected residents to monitor potential vibration and settlement. As we approach construction, we will also work with nearby properties to document existing property conditions ahead of the work beginning. We encourage you to reach out if you have any concerns.
Project Background
The NE 6th Drive Pump Station has not had mechanical, electrical, or control system upgrades since its original construction in 1977. The upgrade will include designing and constructing modern equipment and controls that meet current and future demand on the public sewer system.
Key upgrades at the pump station location include:
Expansion of the current pump station footprint
Improve the earthquake resiliency
Upgrade of the sewage pumps to support higher sewage and stormwater input
Upgrade of the wet well, which receives sewage from the neighborhood
Upgrade of the odor control system
Addition of a concrete enclosure for the electrical equipment and an ADA-compliant restroom
We Want to Hear from You
Environmental Services will inform businesses and residents about project activities and respond to questions and concerns in a timely manner. Please let us know if you have concerns such as business operations, local access, delivery routes and schedules, or other concerns.
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This project will help protect the health of the Columbia Slough Watershed.