$1.5 million project to improve parish wastewater system nears completion

The St. Charles Parish Department of Wastewater will complete updates to three sewer lift stations in Destrehan and Norco next month, according to Francesca Blanchard, a spokesperson for the parish.

The three, 50-year-old lift stations were converted from dry-pit stations to submersible stations, according to Blanchard. The stations are located at Wildcat Lane in Destrehan and Clayton Drive and East Street in Norco.

The $1.5 million project, which began in March of last year, was funded by local funds and a $66,591 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency, according to Blanchard.

Blanchard said the improvements to the stations will make the stations more reliable, extend their working lives and make the wastewater system more efficient

“The new stations are easier and safer to maintain because they do not require crews to enter a confined space to reach equipment,” Blanchard said.

The improvement was designed by Stuart Consulting Group, Inc. and constructed by Industrial & Mechanical Contractors, Inc.

Lift stations move wastewater from lower to higher elevation. According to the EPA, submersible stations typically cost less than dry-pit stations and operate without frequent pump maintenance.