Barlow Yard Sanitary Lift Station

Construction Projects

Project Overview

  • Project: Barlow Glenmore Yards Sanitary Lift Station
  • Location: Calgary, Alberta
  • Timeline: Fall 2024 – Expected Completion Early Spring 2026
  • Delivery Method: Design-Build
  • Project Type: Wastewater Lift Station (FRP Wet Well)

The Challenge

The Barlow Glenmore Yards Sanitary Lift Station required efficient wastewater pumping infrastructure for a developing commercial/industrial area. Key project challenges included:

  • Wet well installation requiring precision and proper site preparation
  • Concurrent construction with the Barlow Glenmore Yards Storm Lift Station
  • Power delivery coordination with owner and utility providers, creating schedule dependencies
  • Proximity to commercial development requiring architectural finishes and minimal disruption
  • Reduced concrete work compared to cast-in-place designs, requiring different construction approach

Our Approach

Design-Build Delivery

We worked directly with the owner to establish design parameters, flow requirements, and site constraints. Our design optimized wet well sizing, pump selection, and system configuration to meet long-term performance requirements while supporting efficient construction.

Concurrent Construction Management

We managed construction of the sanitary lift station concurrently with the storm lift station, coordinating site access, equipment, trades, and schedules to keep both projects moving efficiently without conflicts.

Self-Performed Scope

Systems Group Inc. self-performed mechanical, structural, and process piping work, giving us direct control over quality, schedule, and problem-solving throughout construction.

FRP Wet Well Strategy

Unlike cast-in-place concrete wet wells, the FRP (fibreglass-reinforced plastic) wet well approach offered:

  • Faster installation with reduced on-site concrete work
  • Corrosion resistance for long-term durability
  • Factory quality control and precision manufacturing
  • Lighter weight for easier handling and installation

Prefabrication for Efficiency

We prefabricated the building off-site in our shop while site work progressed. This approach allowed us to:

  • Work on fabrication and site construction simultaneously without interference
  • Improve quality control in a controlled shop environment
  • Accelerate on-site assembly and commissioning
  • Reduce weather-related delays

We also prefabricated process piping and mechanical components off-site, bringing complete assemblies to site for faster installation and better quality control.

Key Project Features

FRP Wet Well

  • Fibreglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) tank for corrosion resistance and durability
  • Reduced concrete work compared to cast-in-place designs
  • Factory-quality construction with precision fit and finish

Power Coordination

  • Coordination with owner and utility providers for power delivery to site
  • Schedule management around power availability milestones

Process Piping and Mechanical Systems

  • Self-performed mechanical scope for quality control
  • Prefabricated piping assemblies for faster installation
  • Integration with force mains and gravity sewers

Electrical and Control Systems

  • Advanced control panels for automated operation
  • Level control, pump sequencing, and alarm systems
  • Remote monitoring capability for long-term operations

Prefabricated Building

  • Off-site fabrication while underground work progressed
  • High-quality finishes suitable for commercial/industrial proximity
  • Faster on-site assembly and commissioning
  • Architectural design to blend with surrounding development

Results

Schedule Performance

  • Concurrent construction with storm lift station managed efficiently without conflicts
  • Prefabrication strategy accelerated above-grade construction timeline
  • On track for completion early spring 2026

Technical Execution

  • FRP wet well installation executed efficiently with reduced concrete work
  • Prefabricated building and piping delivered quality results with faster installation
  • Self-performed scope provided control and flexibility throughout construction

Quality and Performance

  • High-quality architectural finishes suitable for commercial/industrial proximity
  • System designed and built for long-term reliability and maintainability
  • Turnkey delivery approach providing single point of accountability

Project Highlights

"The FRP wet well approach allowed us to reduce on-site concrete work and accelerate the installation timeline. Prefabricating the building and process piping off-site while underground work progressed kept the project moving efficiently."

— Trevor Sigfusson, Systems Group Inc.