LTC 219-2018 Generators at Stormwater Pump Stations(1)MIAM
BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
NO. LTC # 219-2018 LETT R TO COMMISSION
TO: mayor uan ueioer and Members of the City Co r,mission
FROM: Jimmy L. Morales, City Manager
DATE: April 23, 2018
SUBJECT: Generators at Stormwater Pump S ' tions
The purpose of this Letter to Commission is to provide information to the Mayor and City
Commission regarding generators at stormwater pump stations.
As you are aware, the Urban Land Institute Advisory Services Panel reviewed the process of
the City of Miami Beach's Stormwater Management Program last week and provided advice on
a wide variety of elements associated with our program and our approach to mitigating flooding
caused by tidal and rain events. Included in their preliminary finding was the issue of a reliable
source of power to the pumps.
We realize that residents and property owners have concerns as to the availability of auxiliary
electrical power to stormwater pump stations, in the event of power interruption. The City is
actively addressing their concerns.
All design criteria for future projects, including those currently in the procurement process,
include the provision of permanent generators at each pump station location. Projects included
are La Gorce and Indian Creek. For projects that are currently under contract, City
Administration has requested proposals for the provision of permanent generators. These
include Palm & Hibiscus Islands, West Avenue, Sunset Islands 3 & 4, Central Bayshore South
and Venetian Islands (San Marino, DiLido and Rivo Alto). In addition, the Administration is
considering retrofitting existing stormwater pumping stations.
There are numerous challenges to consider in the installation of permanent generators. A
significant component is the cost associated with the installation. Depending on the size and
capacity of each pump station, these installations can range from $400,000 to $800,000.
Another limiting factor is the placement of this large industrial piece of equipment. The size of
the permanent generators is considerable. Diesel powered generators are about the size of an
automobile for the smaller pump stations, and the size of a shipping container for the larger
stations (see attached). Accessibility for maintenance and fueling is another factor to consider in
the location. Elevation for flood protection must also be taken into account. Permanently
mounted generators must be located two (2) feet above the base flood elevation which is often
five (5), or more, feet aboveground. Aesthetics is another factor that must be taken into
consideration. In some locations, landscaping could be used to reduce the view of the
equipment, and in other locations space limitations would only allow for minimum type of
screening.
In the interim, the City has been and will continue to place temporary portable generators at
existing pump station locations, as warranted. Recently installed pump stations are equipped
with generator receptacles to allow for operations with portable generators.
Should you have any questions, please contact Eric Carpenter at 305-673-7080.
Attachments:
Permanent -nerator
4
LM/f
Permanent Generator