Capilano Raw Water Pump Station Backup Power

The Capilano Raw Water Pump Station Backup Power project delivers critical water infrastructure upgrades that ensure uninterrupted operation of the Capilano water supply.  The system was designed and installed to guard against electrical outages and emergencies that could impact the delivery of high-quality drinking water to one third of the Metro Vancouver region.

The project was executed within an environmentally sensitive watershed area and adjacent to active infrastructure including the Capilano Energy Recovery Facility and North Shore Rescue building.

The work involved extensive civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical scopes under tight spatial constraints and strict environmental and operational protocols set by Metro Vancouver. The upgrade provides essential electrical redundancy for the existing Capilano Raw Water Pump Station (CRWPS).

The overall scope of work included the construction of a new Powerhouse facility, designed to house three diesel generators, each capable of producing 2,800 kW of electricity at 12,470 volts, along with three 1,500 L day tanks to supply fuel to each of the generators when required. NAC installed owner-supplied equipment including the generators, paralleling switchgears, remote radiator systems, fuel systems, and 600 V load bank connection panels. The installation was supported by reinforced concrete foundations, structural upgrades to support heavy equipment loads, and site grading works for permanent drainage.

In addition to the Powerhouse, a new underground Fuel Vault facility has also been constructed, containing three large double-walled 60,000L long-term diesel fuel storage tanks. A sophisticated network of underground piping, valves, fuel transfer, and fuel polishing equipment was installed to transport fuel from the storage tanks to each of the Powerhouse day tanks to ensure the generators remain ready to provide emergency backup power when required and an uninterrupted fuel supply. Additional work also included the construction of a new Gatehouse building, which replaced an existing, aged Gatehouse trailer and provides a permanent structure for Metro Vancouver Watershed Protection Services staff.

Integration of the backup power system, with the existing plant infrastructure, was achieved through the construction of new concrete-encased duct-banks, carrying large 500 MCM power cables between the Powerhouse and the existing Capilano Raw Water Pump Station. Routing and length of the duct-bank through steep terrain and dense forest initially presented a significant challenge. However, through close collaboration between NAC and the design team, an alternative and more efficient routing solution was developed that minimized environmental impacts, reduced the required cable length, and improved constructability while maintaining project objectives.

Completion of this project represents a major milestone for the region’s water infrastructure, enhancing system resiliency and ensuring a reliable supply of safe drinking water for the communities served by Metro Vancouver.