Commission creates SA 27 rehabilitation project and directs engineer to prepare report

The West Fargo City Commission voted March 3 to create project number 1351 and directed the city engineer to prepare an engineer’s report to rehabilitate sanitary lift station SA 27, which pumps wastewater from the south side of the city.

City Engineer Dan Hansen told commissioners that SA 27, constructed in 2002, is the primary pumping station for the south side and has struggled during heavy rain events. Hansen said a May 24, 2024 storm that dropped 1.3 inches of rain in three hours produced record wastewater volumes and required Public Works to open a bypass around SA 27 to avoid sewer backups.

Hansen said the rehabilitation would include larger pumps, intake and discharge piping upgrades, and updated control panels. The improvements are the first of several projects planned for the south side sewer system; the 2024 Capital Improvement Plan included an estimated cost of $1,625,000 for this work and identified it as not intended to be specially assessed and to be paid from capital improvement sales tax.

Hansen also noted that some sump pump discharge practices — residents allowing sump pumps to discharge into the sanitary system outside the permitted season — contribute to peak loads, and commissioners discussed the city’s cost exposure through its contract to convey sewage to Fargo.

Commissioner Zundell moved and Commissioner Anderson seconded the motion to create the project and direct the engineer to prepare an engineer’s report; the motion passed by voice vote recorded "aye."

Next steps: The engineer will prepare the report and return recommendations, scope, and refined cost estimates for Commission consideration and appropriation.