Projects that will repair and improve Middlesex County Utilities Authority’s (MCUA) Edison and Sayreville pump stations, both of which suffered severe damage to their electrical systems during superstorm Sandy, were honored as Leading Infrastructure Projects by the New Jersey Alliance for Action.
The MCUA and the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust acquired Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants to build new flood walls and related infrastructure at the facilities, according to a statement prepared by the Middlesex County Office of Communication. Work at both stations is expected to begin this week.
The MCUA manages the wastewater treatment processing for the vast majority of homes and businesses within Middlesex County and several neighboring communities. Its five pumping stations and nearly 140 miles of sewer lines deliver more than 110 million gallons of wastewater to the Central Treatment Facility every day.
In Sayreville, a 1,700-foot long, 21-foot high perimeter flood wall will be built. The height of the wall will range from five feet to nearly 14 feet above grade, accounting for existing elevations above sea level.
In Edison, a 650-foot-long flood wall will stand about 23 feet above sea level at its highest point.
The new flood walls are designed to protect against a 1-in-500 year flood event.
“These projects help us strengthen our infrastructure, benefitting our residents, businesses and the environment,” Middlesex County Freeholder Director Ronald G. Rios said. “My fellow freeholders and I are committed to ensuring that our infrastructure, whether it be a facility, a road or a bridge, is in top condition so to keep our citizens safe. I am thankful that the Utilities Authority, the Environmental Infrastructure Trust and all the partners in these projects share our commitment.”
“The combined efforts of many organizations and agencies is strengthening the MCUA’s critical wastewater pumping infrastructure and will mitigate the effects of severe weather events in the future,” said Richard Fitamant, MCUA executive director. “This enables us to better serve our customers, neighbors and the natural environment.”
Partners on the Sayreville project include the MCUA, Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders, New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust, Carpenter-Contractor Trust of New York and New Jersey, Middlesex County Building & Construction Trades Council, Northeast Remsco Construction and R3M Engineering.
Partners on the Edison project also include Mott MacDonald and Walsh Construction Company.
