Update on Emergency Repairs to Lift Station on St. Thomas Line / Topsail Road

The Town of Paradise today provided an update on the emergency repairs at the sanitary sewer lift station located on the corner of St. Thomas Line and Topsail Road.  At approximately 4 p.m. on Monday, August 12, the Town learned that the lift station was not working properly and crews have been working to address this issue. 

 

“Regular maintenance and inspections are completed on all lift stations in Town, including this one,” added Mayor Bobbett. “Our focus right now is getting this essential service back working at proper capacity for our residents. At this time, there is no direct impact to residents, residents can still use their bathrooms and flush toilets. This lift station is for the sewer system, so there is no impact on the water system.” 

 

The volume at that lift station is the largest in Town, and to keep the service operating while repair work is underway, pumper trucks and holding tanks are on site at the lift station and at the Paradise-Town of Conception Bay South border. Last week, to facilitate the work, a section of St. Thomas Line was closed and traffic was diverted through Carlingford Street. The pumper trucks and holding tanks at the lift station have now been moved to the rear of the building on Twin Brooks Drive, and St. Thomas Line is open to all traffic. There may be periodic traffic interruptions as heavy equipment moves in the area. 

 

The St. Thomas Line / Topsail Road sanitary sewer lift station meets current capacity with two pumps. The station was designed for three pumps to be able to meet future Town needs. The third pump is used for backup while regular maintenance is performed at the lift station and when repairs are needed. 

 

“The matter is complex as it involves both the pipes and the pumps at the lift station. There is an issue with the pipes which is impacting the work of the pumps, and with the pumps not able to work at capacity, it is presenting challenges to get the levels low enough to make the necessary repairs,” explained Mayor Dan Bobbett.

 

Currently, due to the issues at the station, existing equipment cannot empty the lift station to enable crews to complete repairs. Equipment is being shipped to the Town that will handle capacity enabling the lift station to be emptied and pumper trucks will no longer be required. Crews will then begin the required repair work to the facility. 

 

“I do apologize to all residents for the inconvenience caused by this situation,” said Mayor Bobbett. “I thank all staff and crews who have been working on this issue and I thank our neighbouring municipalities who have also been offering support as we work to make the repairs.” 

 

Media Contact

Diane Keough, Communications Manager, Town of Paradise

709.782.2603 (office) or 709.769.4212 (cell)