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Council approves floodproof coatings and deployable barrier for downtown lift station
Summary
The council approved an allocation increase for coatings (Razorback LLC) to dry‑flood‑proof exposed potable/reclaimed sewer pipes and tanks and authorized purchase of a 9‑foot Aquafence system to protect Lift Station 85 at the former Albert Whitted treatment site.
City Council unanimously approved two infrastructure resilience measures on Jan. 9: an allocation increase to continue using a specialized coating product (Razorback LLC) on certain wastewater tanks and exposed piping and the purchase of a deployable flood‑barrier system (Aquafence) for Lift Station 85.
Claude Tankersley (public works) said the coating work is a dry‑floodproofing measure to increase short‑term resistance to storm surge on exposed wastewater infrastructure at the northeast, southwest and northwest plants. Staff described this as an interim, agile step under the city’s SPAR program to reduce vulnerability until longer‑term elevation projects can be completed.
Tankersley also recommended buying a 9‑foot Aquafence to protect Lift Station 85, a critical pump station that collects sewage from downtown waterfront neighborhoods and pumps it to the southwest plant. Staff said the station’s ground surface sits roughly 6.5 feet above mean sea level; a 9‑foot barrier would raise the protected height to about 15.5 feet, matching modeled surge levels staff expect in a large storm. The request covered 518 linear feet of barrier in the initial purchase. Tankersley showed maps of the downtown basin served by Lift Station 85 and explained the barrier’s purpose: to keep pumps operating and avoid shutdowns that would otherwise require costly reconstruction.
Councilmembers asked about product selection and alternatives such as Tiger Dam (a water‑filled tube system). Staff said they evaluate different deployable systems for the site conditions—Aquafence requires a level concrete pad, while other products can be used on less even ground—and consult with manufacturers and other users before procurement. Councilmember Corey Givens asked about unit cost; staff said the Aquafence product is roughly $1,150 per linear foot. Councilmembers discussed the expense in context: staff noted replacing the lift station would be far more expensive than deploying temporary barriers—one staff figure cited an estimate in the tens of millions of dollars for full reconstruction.
Action: Council approved the allocation increase and purchase unanimously (agenda items F4 and F6). Tankersley said the aquafence would be manufactured to order and the city sought prompt delivery ahead of the next storm season.
Clarifying details: the coatings are intended for external dry floodproofing at three wastewater plants; Lift Station 85 serves the downtown waterfront basin and would be protected by approximately 518 linear feet of 9‑foot Aquafence to reach a 15.5‑foot effective height relative to ground elevation. Staff noted the solution is one of several deployable approaches and that sites will be evaluated individually for the most effective product.
