League City's Wastewater Department is replacing outdated pump controls at its sanitary sewer lift stations, with a goal of upgrading 10 per fiscal year until every obsolete system is swapped out.
Three stations have already been completed since the current fiscal year began, according to the city's Public Works weekly review published Thursday, Nov. 5. The city operates 76 lift stations across its wastewater system, according to the city's wastewater department page. The review did not specify how many of those stations have controls old enough to need replacement.
The upgrades are aimed at improving pump performance and strengthening system reliability, the city said.
Wastewater Superintendent Ramiro Ochoa oversees the department's 22 full-time employees, who maintain two wastewater treatment plants and the 76 lift stations. Those facilities are permitted to treat approximately 16 million gallons of wastewater per day during dry weather and up to 48 million gallons per day during wet weather, according to city records.
Historic District drainage work
Separately, the Public Works Stormwater Department is using hydro excavation to clear drainage ditches in the Historic District where large tree roots have blocked water flow.
The technique removes excess soil around roots without cutting them. That matters because cutting major roots with a large excavator could compromise the trees' stability, the city said.
Crews consulted with the city arborist before starting the work, according to the weekly review. The goal is to restore the ditch as close to its intended grade as possible so water drains properly.
Jody Hooks, director of Public Works, oversees the department's more than 140 employees. The city did not release cost estimates for either project or say how long the full lift station program will take.
