Cornerstone Storm & Irrigation Station AB

The Challenge

The Cornerstone Storm & Irrigation Lift Station required infrastructure to manage stormwater and provide irrigation pumping for the development. Key challenges included:

Separate wet wells, shared infrastructure
Deep excavations (~50 feet) with extensive dewatering requirements
Winter construction with freezing conditions affecting tank installation and concrete work
FRP tank installation requiring precision two-crane lifts
Concurrent construction with the Cornerstone Sanitary Lift Station
Aggressive schedule requiring early mobilization and continuous work
Pond providing dual functionality, requiring system design for both stormwater management and irrigation reuse

The owner needed a fully operational system that could handle stormwater events while providing reliable irrigation pumping for parks and landscaping.

Our Approach

Design-Build Collaboration

We worked directly with the owner to establish design parameters and performance expectations. Our design optimized wet well sizing, pump selection, and system configuration to meet both stormwater and irrigation requirements while supporting an aggressive construction timeline.

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 the challenging winter installation period.

Coordination with Concurrent Projects

We managed the construction of the storm/irrigation lift station concurrently with the Cornerstone Sanitary Lift Station, coordinating site access, equipment, trades, and schedules to keep both projects moving efficiently.

Key Project Features

FRP Wet Wells

Large fibreglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) tanks for corrosion resistance and long-term durability
Deep excavation (~50 feet) with complex dewatering and shoring
Two-crane lift for precision tank placement in winter conditions
Formed concrete base and structural support around tanks

Dual Functionality: Stormwater and Irrigation

Stormwater collection and pumping for peak storm events
Irrigation pumping from stormwater storage for reuse in parks and landscaping
Integration with municipal stormwater management infrastructure
Seasonal operation coordination for irrigation requirements

Process Piping and Mechanical Systems

Self-performed mechanical scope for quality control
Above-grade process piping, valves, and manifold systems
Integration with upstream stormwater collection and downstream force mains

Electrical and Control Systems

Advanced control panels for automated pump operation
Level control for both stormwater and irrigation modes
Remote monitoring capability for long-term operations
Integration with irrigation system controllers

Winter Construction Management

Extensive dewatering systems to manage groundwater in deep excavations
Heating and site protection to maintain workable conditions
Proactive scheduling and coordination to work around freezing conditions

Results

Technical Execution

Successfully executed a two-crane lift of large FRP tanks in challenging winter conditions
Deep excavation and continuous dewatering were managed without delays or safety incidents
Dual-purpose system design optimized for both stormwater management and irrigation reuse
Concurrent construction with sanitary lift station was coordinated efficiently

Schedule Performance

Aggressive schedule maintained despite deep excavations, winter conditions, and complex tank installation
Underground work completed through winter, transitioning to above-grade construction in spring
On track for completion and commissioning as required by the owner

Innovation and Problem-Solving

Two-crane lift strategy successfully placed large FRP tanks in deep excavation despite challenging conditions
Continuous dewatering systems kept worksite usable throughout winter construction
Phased construction approach allowed work to progress continuously despite weather constraints

Project Highlights

"The two-crane lift to set the FRP tanks in a 50-foot-deep excavation during winter required careful planning and coordination. Our ability to manage dewatering, freezing conditions, and precision installation kept the project on schedule."

— Trevor Sigfusson, Systems Group Inc.

Cornerstone Storm & Irrigation Lift Station

Project Overview