Pagosa Springs Lift Station | Roaring Fork Engineering

Wastewater, Water Resources

Pagosa Springs Lift Station

Assisted the GID with planning and conceptual design for lift station improvements

The Pagosa Springs Sanitation General Improvement District (PSSGID) is an extension of the Town of Pagosa Springs and serves 1,500 customers with sewer services throughout the Town and some surrounding areas. The District hired RFE in 2023 to assess the status of the existing infrastructure and formulate a plan for replacement and funding. RFE took inventory of all system assets, developed cost estimates for replacement, and compiled a capital improvement plan for the District. RFE assessed several improvement options for the two major lift stations that the PSSGID operates. The assessment included future demand considerations and flow increases, pre-treatment of flow prior to pumping, odor control, and the evaluation of specific technologies at the existing lift stations to remove grit, debris, grease, and other constituents. RFE conducted a life cycle cost analysis to determine the best solution for the PSSGID to pursue. Currently, RFE is assisting the PSSGID with obtaining funding for collection system improvements, and planning for a new lift station design and permitting effort.

Challenges & highlights

As Engineer of Record for the Basalt Sanitation District, we oversee projects ranging from wastewater treatment facilities to collection system improvements.

We serve multiple districts across Colorado’s mountain communities and have partnered with Basalt Sanitation District since 2018. This long-term relationship reflects our commitment to consistent results.

The results

Our long-standing relationship and proven track record allow us to help the District make informed, long-term decisions that strengthen the community and better serve its customers.

Through nearly a decade of partnership, we have developed deep institutional knowledge of the District’s systems, allowing us to solve problems more efficiently and approach planning holistically.

During our tenure as District Engineer, we have helped secure over $1.5 million in grant funding for capital projects, completed a rate study to guide the next 30 years of service, and established a financial plan that supports long-term stability alongside future improvements.

Elevation: 7126

Location: Pagosa Springs, CO

• Conducted a system evaluation considering capital and maintenance requirements for the lift stations and collection system

• Evaluated pre-treatment options for the protection of the two major pump stations, including grinder, aerator, basin design configuration, chopper pumps, and other wet well technologies

• Assessed the cost feasibility of these options while considering larger plans for the GID

• Completed a rate study for the PSSGID under several alternative scenarios

• Assisted with pursuing state and federal funding to pay for all recommended capital improvement projects

• Presented options and discussed alternatives with the Town board

• Collaborated closely with GID staff and Town staff throughout the project and during the development of final recommendations

Build infrastructure that holds up

If your municipality is planning roadway improvements, utility expansions, or system upgrades, we are ready to support your team.