College Place authorizes up to $40,000 for emergency replacement pump at Lift Station No. 3

The College Place City Council on March 10 authorized the purchase and installation of a replacement pump for Sewer Lift Station No. 3 for up to $40,000, after staff reported an unexpected pump failure at the Homestead neighborhood lift station.

Public Works Director described the failure: staff responded to an alarm on Feb. 27, discovered the pump's impeller shaft had snapped and removed the pump. "The pump's totally useless," the director said. The director said the city had obtained a recent quote for a replacement pump for planning purposes and is pursuing a sole-source purchase so the replacement will match the station's existing unit. Staff told the council the supplier warned of a 12–14 week lead time.

The director said the station is currently running on the remaining pump and that if that pump failed the city would face an overflow risk and have to rely on temporary bypass procedures. The director described "ragging" — material such as wipes and debris — as present in the failed pump; staff noted a spare pump on the shelf was available but had a faulty gasket and could not be used for full-service operations.

Council member Boyle moved to authorize city staff and Jacobs Group to buy the replacement pump and materials and have installation completed for no more than $40,000; Council member Peterson seconded the motion, which passed by voice vote.

Council discussed the trade-offs of stocking expensive spare parts versus relying on redundancy and contingency plans, and staff said they aim to design future systems for greater interchangeability of parts where feasible.

The council directed staff to proceed with purchase and installation and to manage the project within the approved amount.