CHARLESTON, S.C. --- -- Army engineers complete a required environmental review for upgrading a pump station in Charleston that will help reduce flooding in the Medical District. Last week, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) determined the project would not have significant environmental impacts, clearing an important milestone so the City of Charleston and USACE can continue advancing the pump station rehabilitation.
Finishing the environmental review marks continued progress on the project. The team anticipates beginning construction this fall after completing design and selecting a contractor.
“Completing this review is a meaningful step forward, and it reflects the steady coordination between USACE and the City of Charleston,” said Lt. Col. Todd Mainwaring, Charleston District commander. “There is still work ahead, but we are aligned on the goal and committed to working through the remaining challenges together.”
Charleston’s Stormwater Management Division is actively involved in planning and coordination for the rehabilitation.
“This pump station is a critical piece of flood protection for the Medical District and the surrounding neighborhoods,” said Mayor William Cogswell, City of Charleston. “We appreciate the collaboration with USACE and the continued momentum on this project as part of the City’s broader Peninsula flood resilience work, including the Battery Extension and other high priority stormwater projects.”
The pump station is located near Charleston’s Medical District, an area with extensive impervious surfaces such as buildings and pavement. As a result, stormwater cannot readily soak into the ground and flooding can occur during heavy rain. Cavitation over time has damaged the pump station’s three units, which require rehabilitation and upgrades.
Proposed improvements include increased pumping capacity, improved hydraulic configuration in the wet well and inflow chamber, enclosure and conditioning of the control room, and replacement and upgrades to electrical systems, instrumentation and controls, and lighting.
The project will complement the ongoing design work for the Peninsula Battery Extension and support interior flood relief for the Medical District. Additional USACE and City projects are also in development on the Peninsula, James Island, and West Ashley to strengthen flood resilience across Charleston communities.
###