Sewer staff told the Environmental Services Utility Board on July 21 that Lift Station 500 experienced a pump failure after debris clogged the unit and caused the pump to burn out.
“ We had an issue out at, Lehi Station 500. We had some debris that got caught in 1 of the pumps. Locked it up. Overload switch, that's supposed to, stop that, when it drawn too much power to keep it from frying failed. So the pump pump, fried, ” said Superintendent Zach (sewer superintendent), describing the incident. Staff installed a bypass pump to restore flow while they consider options for a more robust solution.
Zach said the current lift station is built for Smith & Loveless pumps but staff are looking at modifications and alternate pumps that can better pass debris. “I think that that might be, the way to go,” Zach said, adding he is working on the solution for the current fiscal year. Committee members inquired whether the county would contribute to a grinder purchase; Zach said, “I haven't gotten that far yet.”
Staff also reported that crews worked with the fire department to remove heavy debris and a dock from a buoy line, which had created significant tension and a risk of equipment damage. Lab operations reported routine sampling with ongoing efforts to manage an odor/foaming problem at Gar Creek through pretreatment conversations with industries.
Why this matters: Lift‑station failures can disrupt collection system operations and require costly emergency repairs. Staff have already put a temporary fix in place and are evaluating a grinder purchase and station modifications to reduce the recurrence of debris‑related outages.