Sapperton Pumping Station

NAC Constructors Ltd. proudly completed the award-winning Sapperton Pump Station Replacement project, a remarkable and critical addition to Metro Vancouver’s liquid waste management system. Celebrated for its innovative design and community integration, this project won the coveted Gold Award from the Vancouver Regional Construction Association in 2022.

As the largest pumping station in Metro Vancouver, Sapperton plays a vital role in regional wastewater management, pumping approximately one-third of the total flow to the Annacis Island Wastewater Treatment Plant. Serving the municipalities of Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody, it is a key component in transporting wastewater to its final treatment destination. Given the region’s increasing population, replacing the 38-year-old facility was an essential undertaking to ensure long-term system reliability and capacity.

The new station, a three-level structure on a 1.9-acre site, is designed to accommodate future growth with a peak capacity of 6.5 m³/s (562 ML/day), meeting flow projections for 2051. The facility is powered by four shaft-driven non-clog centrifugal pumps, each equipped with 900 HP, 4160 VAC motors, drive shafts, four VFDs, and temperature/vibration monitoring panels to ensure optimal performance. With each pump capable of moving 2.17 m³/s (187 ML/day) at 23.5m head, the station efficiently transfers sewage through a 1500mm discharge force main to the wastewater treatment plant. The electrical service, rated at 69kV and 2000 amps, provides the necessary power to support the station’s high-capacity operation.

What makes the Sapperton Pump Station Replacement stand out is its impressive integration into the local community. The site, once home to the Brunette Sawmill, has been transformed into a multifaceted public space that enhances both urban and ecological environments. As part of the project, significant ecological enhancements were implemented, including habitat improvements and riverbank restoration, contributing to the environmental health of the area.

As a further commitment to community integration, the station premises feature publicly accessible green space, a public washroom, a plaza with landscaping and public art, and interpretive materials highlighting the site’s history and function. Additionally, new amenities such as picnicking areas, fishing spots, and nature viewing spaces enhance the recreational value of the site. The project also includes an extension of the Brunette-Fraser Regional Greenway, offering expanded opportunities for walking, cycling, and outdoor activities.

The Sapperton Pump Station Replacement is not just a testament to NAC’s construction capabilities but also to our commitment to sustainable and community-focused development. The Gold Award is a recognition of our ability to merge technical excellence with thoughtful urban design, creating infrastructure that not only meets critical operational needs but also contributes positively to the communities it serves.