Project

The Middlesex County Utilities Authority (MCUA) recently completed clean water improvements that are being long-term financed with approximately $22 million in loans from the NJ Water Bank, a joint low-rate funding program of the DEP and the NJ I-Bank. Including interest cost savings, total savings for this project is estimated to be $4,000,011 over the 20-year term of the loan or 18% of the total project cost. In addition, this project created an estimated 261 direct construction jobs. 

The Sayreville Pump Station is the largest wastewater pumping station in the State of New Jersey. The facilities were damaged by flood water from Superstorm Sandy in 2012, and the pump station was inundated with river water, raw sewage, salt water, and debris resulting in a loss of power for ten days. The project required the relocation of the Main Electrical Substation and the Diesel Generator and involved the construction of a flood wall to protect the entire site from future flood events. A new dewatering system was installed along with a storm water pumping station to remove rainwater and seepage from around the new flood wall. Additional mitigation included upgrades to the electrical system including three diesel-powered generators, and one natural gas-powered generator with noise reducing baffles, high voltage switch gear and transformers, and various high and medium voltage electrical equipment all housed in a new building. Additional restoration work included installation of ten new 800 – 1000 horsepower motors to power the existing pumps. Various ancillary items included HVAC equipment plumbing, a new roof, doors, intercom, fire alarm and phone system.

Ronald G. Rios, Director of the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners, stressed the need for the project. “Working with the Water Bank has been an efficient and cost-effective endeavor, allowing the MCUA to borrow over $90 million in short-term funds from the Bank and receive construction expense reimbursements in a timely manner through the I-Bank’s SAIL Program all in advance of receiving $70 million in FEMA grants. This project has significantly reduced the potential for impacts from future storm events. The MCUA is dedicated to maintaining resiliency in our wastewater infrastructure for the health of our community and benefits to the environment. The NJ Water Bank has saved our ratepayers time and money every step of the way.”

This project was designed by R3M Engineering and constructed by Northeast Remsco Construction, Inc.

Picture courtesy of 3M Engineering

Published 7/26/2021