Pump Station N

Owner: City of San Diego

Location: Mission Bay

Designer: GHD

Contractor: Orion Construction

Delivery Model: Design-Build

Contract Value: $4.5M

Schedule: Started work in April 2022, should be finished in May 2026

Scope: This project was to install new electrical (MCC, PLC, and Switchboard) at Pump Station N. This is the main storm water pump station in Mission Bay, so it needs to always remain in service with a backup power source. Also, an emergency generator needed to be installed inside the pump station. Orion had to repair the water line that runs into the pump station and the supply/exhaust systems for the pump station.

Challenges: The City requested renovations be installed inside the existing pump station which presented regulatory and design challenges. Orion had to coordinate with the APCD, DSD, City of San Diego Fire Department, and Bay City (generator supplier) to make sure that everything was within code. This included sourcing some custom items to ensure double containment of all fuel sources.

Another challenge was keeping the Pump Station running during construction. This was one by supplying a backup generator. Protecting the existing switchboard which is no longer water proof, and having Orion/Southern crews on standby to act in case of emergency.

Results: Upon project completion this critical pump station will have a longer life-span with the required backup and redundancies needed to operate and maintain public health and environmental concerns.