Saratoga sewer pump generator to cost $305K

PHOTOGRAPHER: Stephen Williams

The Saratoga County Sewer District will be shelling out more than $300,000 for a new standby generator at its largest pumping station, located just outside Ballston Spa.

Sewer commissioners last week approved awarding a $304,957 contract for an 800-kilowatt generator to Stilsing Electric of Rensselaer, which submitted the lowest of six bids. The contract still requires approval from the county Board of Supervisors.

Sewer District Executive Director James DiPasquale said the new generator would replace one at the Milton Pump Station that was damaged by a lightning strike in 2008.

The pumping station sits near the south side of the Kayaderosseras Creek in Milton, just outside Ballston Spa. Officials are concerned if the current generator failed during a power outage, it could lead to sewage overflows into the creek.

The generator there now suffered some damage in the July 2008 lightning strike, which started a fire on the building’s roof and knocked out power, causing the generator to kick in. The wiring connection between the generator and the building was damaged by the fire.

“It was operable, but it was compromised,” DiPasquale said.

He said the current generator works, but a consultant recommended it be replaced, both due to the lighting strike and its age. It was installed in 1977. Money for the new generator has been included in the 2011 sewer district budget.

If the contract is approved, DiPasquale said, the new generator will be installed in the spring.

The Milton pumping station is the largest in the county sewer system, handling about 15 million gallons per day. The station gives a pump boost to all wastewater coming from Saratoga Springs, Wilton, Ballston Spa and points north and heading to the county sewage treatment plant in Halfmoon.