5/1/2019
This challenging site required a fast timeline to convert from failing septic tanks to a decentralized wastewater collection and treatment system. The coastal location faced severe hardship due to the densely placed mobile homes and seasonal RV sites.
Wastewater flows based on 56 Mobile Home Site and 258 RV sites total 40,020 GPD. Gravity sewer plans were developed and quickly deemed unrealistic. Excavations in wet sandy soils were very deep due to relatively flat terrain. With groundwater levels at 3-feet, gravity sewer cuts in the 15 to 17 foot range would have compromised the existing structures and result in severe groundwater dewatering efforts.
Having had previous successful experience with pressure sewers; Keith Fernandes of GFM Enterprises reached out to the local E/One distributor, F R Mahony & Associates, Inc. for a solution. Coincidentally the COO of Bal-Last worked on staff and provided the ballast solution to allow installation of 76 simplex pump stations in wet, sandy soils. The system allowed for precise placement of the grinder pumps between camp sites. Each pump collects waste from clusters that can then connect to the pressure sewer collection system.
Deep excavation for gravity sewers did not make any sense given the limited work space.
Time was critical as the new owners of the campground were faced with limited time to be open for the upcoming Memorial Day deadline. Construction took place from mid-February to final commissioning on May 1, 2019. Cold temperatures, mud, frozen mud and tight work area made for a tough challenge. Keith worked closely with F R Mahony who coordinated deliveries, installer training, and startup inspections. The entire system was linked to a cellular SCADA monitoring package to give campground staff control over the final operation. At the end, the deadline was met and the grounds were opened on time.
Bal-Last blocks made for easy setup of each of the 76 stations to be installed. Groundwater issues were greatly reduced as the stations could be backfilled immediately.
Stagging area for pumps, pipe and Bal-Last
Installations fit into some tight spots
The beach front installations show how the tidal influence can affect the system.
E/One conducted a site interview and documented the project success. The link below, provides access to that video tour and interview.
https://eone.com/sewer-systems/case-studies/dennis-port
Interview with Keith Fernandes, PE from GFM Enterprises