Barton Street Pump Station upgrade project

May 15 Update
Diesel pumps to run 24 hours/day May 15 – 17

Starting today, crews will take wastewater flows from underground pipes and move those flows to an above ground bypass – pipes that will run the length of the site directly adjacent to the ferry terminal.

Once completed, the bypass will allow crews to shut down normal pump station operations in order to perform the pump station upgrades. The bypass will connect to a temporary pump station currently under construction. Once the temporary pump station is completed, it will be in use for the duration of the project.

The initial bypass work is expected to take up to two weeks, requiring up to four days of running above ground diesel pumps 24 hours per day. No overnight work will be performed, but staff will be on site to monitor the system. The pumps come equipped with a silencing enclosure to reduce noise levels and will be placed on the east side of the site in an effort to mitigate noise impacts.

What to expect
• Three days of work requiring the use of two above ground diesel pumps running 24 hours/day, with the possibility of a fourth day if needed
• Possible Saturday work to complete bypass cut over. If needed, work hours would be 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Approximately two weeks of intermittent daytime diesel pump usage as system is tested
• No overnight work
• Staff on site overnight to monitor system during 3-4 day period
• Flagger to continue moving traffic through site and in and out of the ferry terminal entrance

We appreciate your ongoing patience during construction!

View construction notice (PDF), May 15, 2013.

Drill rigs on site for jet grouting operations, winter 2012-13

Future facility
 
Landscape site plan (PDF)


Southeast view (PDF)

Need for project

King County protects public health and the environment by conveying and treating the region's wastewater. The Barton Street Pump Station is 50 years old. King County must upgrade the facility to accomodate West Seattle's growing population and ensure its safe and reliable operation for the next 50 years.

The pump station is an underground facility located next to the Fauntleroy ferry landing at 9005 Fauntleroy Way, SW. The pump station pumps wastewater to the Murray Avenue Pump Station which then pump flows to the county's regional treatment plant at West Point in Seattle.

What you can expect during construction

• Typical construction activities including work crews, truck hauling, construction materials and heavy machinery
• Work hours in compliance with City of Seattle permits, which typically allow work between 7 am and 6 pm Monday to Friday
• Advance notice provided of work outside regularly scheduled hours
• Access at all times for ferry traffic, emergency vehicles, and neighborhood residents
• No beach access during construction
• State patrol on site for traffic control for duration of construction

View construction schedule here.

Proposed work

The pump station was first constructed in 1958. The following necessary improvements will be made:

• Replace outdated electrical equipment, pumps, and associated equipment. The new pumps will increase capacity from 22 million gallons per day (mgd) to 33 mgd
• Upgrade heating, ventilation and air conditioning
• Construct a new underground vault to house a new backup generator system and a new odor control system
• Construct a new underground valve room and install new valves for the two 24-inch force mains that were installed as part of a 2006 emergency repair project

These upgrades will require the demolition of the existing below ground pump station and the construction of a temporary pumping system that will be removed once the new system is operational.

Being a good neighbor

King County is committed to being a good neighbor and will work directly with the community throughout the project to minimize construction impacts whenever possible.  Residents can expect:

• Advance notice of construction activities via mail, email, phone, and project fliers
• One-on-one problem solving with residents directly impacted by construction activities
• Project website and construction updates
• 24-hour construction hotline
• Restoration of landscaping

Construction schedule

View construction schedule as PDF.