Project Background

The Cedar Drive Pump Station, a critical piece of flood protection infrastructure for the City of Port Coquitlam, was originally constructed in the late 1970s. Located at the confluence of Cedar Creek and Hyde Creek, the station was operating under capacity, suffering from component deterioration that led to high operational costs, and provided inadequate fish passage in an environmentally sensitive area. The primary objective of this project was the complete replacement of the aging pump station and the associated floodbox to address these deficiencies.

The project site presented significant constraints, including its proximity to residential properties, the Traboulay PoCo Trail, and critical fish habitats for species like Coho and Chum Salmon. A key challenge was to deliver a new, integrated structure that would not only provide the required hydraulic capacity for current and future needs but also adhere to stringent post-disaster seismic requirements (1-in-2,475-year return period earthquake) and modern environmental standards for fish passage.

My Scope of Involvement & Key Responsibilities

As a key member of the design team, I was responsible for the structural design and the development of a phased construction strategy for the new and upgraded hydraulic structures. My role involved close collaboration with geotechnical, mechanical, and environmental specialists to deliver a cohesive and constructible design that addressed all project objectives.

I engineered the structural components to be seismically resilient, hydraulically efficient, and constructible within a highly constrained and sensitive environment. This involved a detailed analysis of the existing structures, the development of multiple design concepts, and the final detailed design of all new structural elements.

Key Structural Design Elements

My design responsibilities encompassed the following critical structural components:

  • New Discharge & Intake Structures:

    • Engineered a completely new reinforced concrete discharge structure, designed to integrate new pump discharge piping and modern, fish-friendly flap gates.
    • Designed a new pump intake structure and led the structural modifications to the existing intake, including redesigning the back wall and top slab to accommodate new pumps and hydraulic features.
    • Incorporated robust isolation capabilities, including stop log guides and dividing walls, to allow for safe maintenance while maintaining operational redundancy.

  • Seismic Improvements & Geotechnical Coordination:

    • Developed the seismic design for the reinforcement of the existing floodbox to meet post-disaster performance criteria.
    • Designed new concrete wing walls at the intake to enhance structural stability and improve hydraulic flow.
    • Worked directly with the geotechnical team to integrate findings on soil conditions, including potential liquefaction susceptibility, into the foundation design, ensuring compliance with the Ministry of Forests’ Seismic Design Guidelines for Dikes.

  • Integrated Superstructure Design:

    • Engineered a comprehensive superstructure system, including support grating over the intake and a dedicated support structure for a new electrical kiosk.
    • Designed the reinforced concrete slab foundation for the new emergency backup generator.
    • Coordinated the design of a combined intake structure featuring new stop logs and a single trash screen to streamline operations and maintenance.

Phased Construction Strategy

To minimize disruption and maintain flood protection throughout the construction period, I developed a detailed, multi-phase construction sequence. This strategy was critical for managing site logistics, environmental work windows, and ensuring public safety.

  • Phase 1: North Side Construction

    • Isolated the north floodbox to establish a safe work zone while maintaining flow through the south channel.
    • Sequenced the demolition of the existing discharge structure and construction of the new pump intake and the northern half of the new discharge structure.
    • Oversaw the structural upgrades to the north floodbox intake, leading to the successful commissioning of the new pump station in its initial configuration.

  • Phase 2: South Side & Final Integration

    • Isolated the south floodbox and the old pump intake to allow for final demolition and construction activities.
    • Completed the second half of the discharge structure and implemented the necessary upgrades to the existing pump intake and south floodbox.
    • Managed the final integration of the combined intake upgrades, culminating in the commissioning of the fully operational floodbox and pump system.

  • Phase 3: Final Site Works

    • Concluded the project by overseeing the installation of all above-ground equipment, including the access grating and electrical kiosk, at their final locations.

Deliverables & Project Outcomes

I am working on delivering a complete set of detailed design drawings and technical specifications for all structural components of the project. My direct contributions should result in a modern, reliable, and resilient pump station that meets the City’s long-term flood protection needs. The final design will provide enhanced hydraulic capacity, ensures safe fish passage, and is engineered to remain functional following a major seismic event, safeguarding the community and the surrounding environment.