Kara Boyles (Utility Infrastructure) has been selected to present during the technical session of the Water Environment Federation’s “WEFTEC 2013: The Water Quality Event” for Case Studies of Innovation in Pumping Stations. Boyles will discuss the INDOT SR 331 Screw Pump and Siphon project in Mishawaka, Indiana, “Not Your Everyday Neighborhood Lift Station: A Modern Day Screw Pump Application,” on Wednesday, October 9, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. in Room S406b.

The City of Mishawaka implemented the Archimedes screw pump in a unique, modern day application at a lift station that handles combined sewer flows within its collection system. The screw pump’s ability to handle varying rates of flow and suspended solids make it ideal for handling both wastewater and stormwater.

The project, which began in 2005, was driven by the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) relocation of State Road 331 into Mishawaka’s Capital Avenue corridor. This road project required that portions of the City’s wastewater and stormwater utilities be relocated or reconfigured. In addition, INDOT constructed an underpass along the new corridor under the existing Norfolk Southern railroad. The new underpass would eliminate the existing at-grade crossing of very heavily traveled railroad tracks throughout Mishawaka.

The design of the INDOT SR 331 Screw Pump and Siphon project was a unique solution for a limited budget element of a roadway project that also addressed the City’s LTCP. Through a collaborative effort, the solution saved over $1 million and met the needs of all parties involved.