Belmont Lift Station

Bocci Successfully Modernized Belmont Lift Station to Address Aging Infrastructure and Chemical Corrosion Challenges.

The Belmont Lift Station Rehabilitation Project, led by Bocci Engineering in partnership with LAN/Kuo, focused on modernizing and optimizing the City of Houston's Belmont Lift Station. The lift station transports wastewater from lower to higher elevations for treatment and is a key piece of the city's wastewater management system. The project included replacing six 24-inch valves, improving chemical and odor control systems, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Bocci Engineering provided mechanical, environmental, and plumbing expertise to deliver a cost-effective, sustainable solution.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

The Belmont Lift Station Rehabilitation Project made critical upgrades to mechanical valves, pumping controls, and chemical/odor control systems. Bocci provided comprehensive services, including preliminary engineering, detailed design, construction documents, and construction administration.

This project was part of a larger initiative to rehabilitate Houston's wastewater infrastructure. The focus included replacing six 24-inch valves and associated controls to comply with the City of Houston and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regulation standards. As such, Belmont Lift Station required significant upgrades to manage large wastewater volumes and meet modern operational standards.

CHALLENGES

• Aging Infrastructure and Failing Controls: The existing hydraulically-actuated valves on both 150HP and 450HP water pumps were prone to failure, disrupting water flow and treatment processes.

• Odor and Corrosion Issues: Persistent odor and corrosion problems posed long-term maintenance challenges, including over-treatment and chemical loss during overflow scenarios.

• Regulatory Compliance: All engineering and design work needed to meet the latest City of Houston and TCEQ standards.

SOLUTIONS

• Mechanical Valve Replacement: Bocci replaced six 24-inch hydraulically actuated valves with modern equipment that conformed to the City of Houston and TCEQ requirements, improving flow control and reliability.

• Odor & Chemical Control: Bocci upgraded the ventilation and chemical treatment systems to address odor and corrosion, improving long-term system sustainability.

• Automation: An automated control system was introduced to monitor water levels and prevent system failures, enhancing reliability and extending the station’s lifespan.

• Comprehensive Engineering Services: Bocci provided a full range of services, including preliminary engineering, detailed design, cost estimation, and documentation. The team also oversaw equipment selection and led QA/QC efforts, ensuring the project was completed within budget and met all performance criteria.

BENEFITS

• Cost Savings: By implementing specific repairs instead of a complete system replacement, Bocci significantly reduced project costs while extending the lift station’s lifespan.

• Regulatory Compliance: The upgraded systems meet the latest City of Houston and TCEQ requirements, reducing environmental risks and ensuring compliance.

• Improved Performance: New valves and automated chemical treatment systems enhance reliability and reduce the risk of failures.

• Sustainability: Bocci’s solution improved long-term sustainability by preventing corrosion and extending the station’s operational life, reducing maintenance costs.

• Odor and Corrosion Control: The updated systems decreased the frequency of maintenance, improved air quality, and mitigated chemical damage to infrastructure.

Conclusion

The Belmont Lift Station Rehabilitation Project showcases Bocci's ability to deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions that address both immediate and long-term infrastructure needs. Through careful planning, client collaboration, and modern technologies, Bocci ensured the Belmont Lift Station now operates more efficiently and sustainably. This project highlights Bocci’s technical expertise and commitment to delivering high-quality, environmentally conscious engineering solutions for the City of Houston.