Mersino was deeply involved in the design and daily operation of the emergency repair for dewatering and bypass pumping. Since its inception, Mersino has been the best choice for customer service. Our reputation for immediate response and high-quality results has led us to be the first call in an emergency situation for many contractors who desire the best pumping/dewatering support. Because of this, we were chosen for the job. In the first 24 hours of being called to the emergency sinkhole and sewer collapse, Mersino had 25 employees working around the clock installing emergency pumping equipment. This kind of customer service and dedication in the face of dire conditions was maintained and was a large contributor to the success of the project.
Methodology
In response to the emergency sewer collapse, Mersino installed short-term emergency bypass pumping systems and dewatering wells to prevent further growth of the sinkhole and potential major sewer backups. We designed and implemented long-term bypass pumping, capable of 150CFS. During the process, we maintained and operated the dewatering system as well as the bypass pumping systems.
Our reputation for immediate response and high-quality results has led us to be the first call in an emergency situation for many contractors who desire the best pumping/dewatering support.
We utilized vertical turbine pumps for the temporary bypass pumping system, which did not require construction of a large and costly pumping shaft. Instead, our pumps were suspended through an existing gate location with pumps that could be maintained from grade. The project was completed on time and on budget. To date, this is the largest single project Mersino has completed.
Challenges
There were large issues with ragging clogging the pumps, so Mersino designed choppers to shred incoming debris, along with maintaining a bar screen installed upstream of the larger capacity pumps. The sewer was very deep (55′ BGS) and required many unique design and operational features; these issues were overcome in emergency conditions with each day bringing new challenges, risks, and ultimately new solutions. It was a long and exhausting project, as our team worked day and night, every day, for 10 months, however, it was a successful project that made a hardworking team even stronger.
