Day Island System Replacement

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About the Project

The Day Island Sanitary Sewer System Replacement project will design a new system that addresses rising sea level and resiliency for the Day Island community. 

Pierce County issued a request for qualifications (RFQ) in early May 2023 for consulting support on this project. 

The consultant will work with the division and community to develop and implement a plan to protect, preserve, and/or replace the Day Island sewer system while minimizing environmental effects, service disruptions, and vehicle access disruptions on Day Island. 

This project webpage will be updated with the latest information as it becomes available. The project team will meet with residents as part of the design and implementation process.

Contact

Bob Vogel
Project Manager
(253) 798-4123
[email protected]

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Why is the project necessary?

The sewer system on the island was installed in the 1970s. The pump station is reaching its useful life and is increasingly prone to further deterioration by flooding, saltwater infiltration, and corrosion. 

Rising sea levels will also continue to affect Pierce County’s ability to access, maintain, and preserve those portions of the collection system that are installed in or near the tidal zone. 

Also, because a portion of the island’s foundation consists of fill, sewer lines have been damaged in the past due to ground settlement. 

Some homes built on pilings have sewer pipes attached under the house that are exposed to weather and waves, especially at high tides. During storms, the impact from debris in Puget Sound can damage the pipes under these homes. 

Background

Pierce County’s Day Island sewer system serves approximately 27 acres, including 133 structures in the City of University Place.

The existing sewer system currently relies on gravity to collect wastewater from homes and transport it to the pump station. The pump station is located west of Day Island Boulevard West, just south of the Day Island Bridge. The pump station conveys the wastewater across the Day Island Bridge Road via a force main to the Chambers Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant.

  1. Timeline
  2. Project Impacts
  3. Funding

Anticipated Timeline

Phase 1: Planning

  • May 2023: Advertise request for qualifications (RFQ)
  • Spring 2023: Select consultant through the RFQ
  • Summer/Fall 2023: Finalize contract with consultant
  • Fall 2023/Winter 2024: Community and stakeholder outreach, survey, geotechnical engineering, and environmental assessment.

Phase 2: Preliminary Engineering

  • Summer 2024: Complete preliminary engineering, environmental impacts, community input, and budget analysis. 

Phase 3: Final Engineering

  • Fall/Winter 2025: Complete final engineering, advertise the project, and select contractor.

Phase 4: Construction/Decommissioning

  • Early 2026: Begin construction.
  • End of 2033: Complete construction.