White Rock Sanitary Pump Station Surge Tank

2022-2023 | White Rock, BC

Metro Vancouver has made some improvements to the White Rock Sanitary Pumping Station (SPS) to more effectively protect against rapid changes in pressure and flow within the piping system. Metro Vancouver’s biggest concern was the system’s inability to handle a power loss during full capacity pumping; such a power loss could result in a potentially damaging pressure wave traveling across the system.

McElhanney prepared the detailed design and procurement specifications for a surge tank.

McElhanney’s structural team analyzed the suspended slab and confirmed it had sufficient capacity to hold the tank. The reinforcing and cast-in conduits were x-rayed and marked out so the new tank’s bolt-down procedure would not hit anything.

It was not clear during design if the new surge tank could physically be maneuvered through the pump station and into position. To mitigate this, Metro Vancouver created a wooden tank mock-up at McElhanney’s recommendation and test maneuvered it through the various doors and around the existing equipment. With centimeters to spare, the test was successful, and the new surge tank was ordered.

McElhanney also prepared the tank’s installation execution plan, as well as testing procedures for the pre-existing tie-in point valve which had not been operated in 40 years.

McElhanney provided: