Romtec Utilities was selected to design and supply a complete packaged Buy America wastewater lift station for a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) project located on Back Island near Ketchikan, Alaska. The lift station supports public works improvements for a nearby military installation, reinforcing wastewater infrastructure in a remote and challenging coastal environment.

The contract was awarded to ASRC Builders following a competitive bid process, during which Romtec Utilities provided a Rough Order of Magnitude budget to support the contractor’s proposal. Upon being awarded the project, Romtec delivered a formal proposal and was contracted to provide the full scope of design, prefabrication, and delivery for the wastewater lift station system that meets Buy America standards.

This project reflects the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ mission to deliver resilient infrastructure that strengthens national defense and supports local communities.

Located in the southeastern corner of Alaska, Ketchikan is known as “Alaska’s First City” because it’s often the first stop for marine traffic coming up the Inside Passage. It is the fifth-largest city in Alaska, and serves as a key logistical and administrative hub for the region. The area is surrounded by dense forest, rugged mountains, and deep waterways, making reliable infrastructure vital but difficult to implement.

Back Island, a small landmass just off the Ketchikan coastline, hosts specialized government and military installation that require secure, independent utility systems due to their isolation and exposure to the elements. This makes high-performance, low-maintenance infrastructure such as a packaged wastewater lift station a critical component for long-term facility operation.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is a federal agency under the Department of Defense that provides engineering, construction, and environmental services. With a workforce of more than 37,000 civilian and military personnel, USACE is one of the world’s largest public engineering organizations.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects support:
– National defense
– Public works
– Water infrastructure
– Disaster recovery
– Environmental restoration

In Alaska, USACE plays a key role in helping communities and military bases manage resources, improve resilience, and build sustainable infrastructure in remote and often extreme environments. By collaborating with companies like Romtec Utilities, USACE ensures that infrastructure systems, such as this Buy America wastewater lift station, are built to perform under pressure and last for decades.

Romtec Utilities engineered a site-specific submersible pump station designed to be durable, and perform in Ketchikan’s wet, coastal environment. The system components include:
– Wet Well: A precast concrete structure, 4-feet internal diameter, 12.5-feet deep, H-20 traffic rated with protective coatings.
– Valve Vault: Precast 06 VV with integrated piping, valves, and air release systems.
– Pumps: Two 2-horsepower Keen KFG(X)2 submersible grinder pumps, explosion-proof rated, with 75-foot cables and stainless-steel guide rails.
– Control Panel: UL-listed, NEMA 4x stainless steel enclosure with alternator relay controller, battery backup, alarm beacon, and manual transfer switch.
– Level Sensing: Four NOTLTA MS1 float sensors for primary level control.

The system is designed to operate at a duty point of 51.1 GPM at 46’ TDH, exceeding the specified minimum of 25 GPM at 55’ TDH.

Romtec Utilities prefabricated the lift station for efficient transport and rapid installation in Ketchikan’s rugged conditions. The key operational benefits of the system are:
– Alternating duplex configuration: pumps alternate after each cycle to balance wear.
– Effluent handling: pumps are rated for 2-inch solids, suitable for effluent with minimal large solids.
– Prefabrication: All structural and mechanical components are preassembled to the extent possible for efficient delivery and installation.
– Installation support: Romtec provides on-site installation advisor and two days of start-up/testing services by a certified technician.
– Warranty: A standard 1-year warranty is included, with extended support available.

As it was part of a federal installation, the lift station needed to meet Buy America standards. Romtec Utilities has extensive experience designing and manufacturing pumping systems that fully comply with Buy America standards. This means that all key components of the lift station, including pumps, valves, control panels, and structural materials, are sourced and produced within the United States. Romtec’s compliance with Buy America reflects a commitment to supporting American industry while delivering high-quality, reliable wastewater pumping systems built to meet strict performance and safety standards.

In addition to the Buy America compliance, the lift station also meets or exceeds the following codes or regulations:
– NSF/ANSI 61 Certified: Ensuring safe use of components in systems connected to potable water.
– ASTM & AWWA Standards for structural and mechanical reliability.
– Hazardous Location Certification: Pumps meet FM3615 standards for potentially explosive environments.

All concrete structures are lined with Tnemec Series 141 epoxy, offering long-term resistance to abrasion, immersion, and harsh chemicals.

With the engineering details established, the next step was ensuring the system could be installed efficiently in Alaska’s rugged terrain.

Romtec Utilities provided clear installation guidance tailored to the unique challenges of construction along Alaska’s coastline. Between the water and the rugged terrain, there were a number of things engineers and installers kept in mind when creating an installation plan.

These included:
– Proper joint sealing using ConSeal CS-231 and CS-1900 sealants.
– Use of Kor-N-Seal flexible connectors for pipe penetrations.
– Structural alignment and backfill procedures to prevent leaks and ensure long-term performance.
– Recommendations for pump and control panel storage prior to installation.

Though it was built for a military installation, this lift station model is ideal for:
– Coastal or remote communities.
– Public works infrastructure
– Military bases and defense facilities
– Federal or municipal wastewater systems
– Off-grid or cold-climate utility projects

Romtec Utilities specializes in custom-engineered lift station solutions for government, military, and municipal infrastructure. With every project, Romtec Utilities delivers:
– Site-specific design.
– Full regulatory compliance.
– Factory prefabrication and testing.
– Expert installation support.
– Proven performance in all environments.

From the forests of Oregon to the coasts of Alaska, Romtec Utilities designs and delivers reliable wastewater lift stations tailored to site-specific needs, ensuring long-term performance in even the most challenging environments.