Gulf Beach Water Booster Station Improvements

The booster station is due for complete rehabilitation, as most of its components are nearing the end of their lifespan. Replacing the aging booster station’s infrastructure will improve the resiliency and reliability of Pinellas County’s water distribution system, operations efficiency, and fire protection. The project will also improve the station’s storm and flood resiliency.

The facility upgrade will benefit the community by ensuring that Pinellas County utility customers residing in St. Pete Beach, Tierra Verde, and Ft. De Soto Park will continue to receive reliable drinking water and fire protection services. The upgrade will also improve the station’s storm and flood resiliency.

This project includes constructing a new two-story building with critical electrical components on the second floor and a waterproof pump room located on the first floor to reduce the facility’s susceptibility to storm-related flooding and anticipated sea level rise. The new facility is being designed for an 18.8-foot flood elevation, meaning the surrounding seawater level would need to reach that height before critical components of the new water booster station would be impacted. Also included in the booster station improvements are new state-of-the-technology pumps, water treatment systems, power generators, instrumentation, and controls needed to operate the facility. To meet stormwater retention requirements and make way for construction of the new two-story facility, most of the trees currently on the property will need to be removed and replaced with new landscaping as space allows. The new two-story building will include an Art Deco exterior to blend in with the look and feel of the surrounding community.

No, this project will not increase your Pinellas County utility bill.

The project will improve water service reliability, operational efficiency, fire protection, and storm and flood resiliency. Currently, the water pressure leaving the station averages 65-70 psi out of the station, and the improvements will enhance the reliability of maintaining this pressure throughout the water service area.

Yes, the design of this project will include measures to mitigate the effects of wind, flooding, and storm surges. The pump room located on the first floor of the building will be waterproof to protect it from rising sea levels and flooding. Critical electrical components will be located on the second floor, built above storm surges and flooding levels.

Interruption of water service is not anticipated. However, if a situation arises that requires a temporary water interruption, property owners will be notified in advance through door hanger notifications or other means of communication. Additionally, information will be posted on the project website.

Yes, there may be an increase in odor from the construction equipment’s exhaust.

During normal operation, the new pump station will not generate more noise. However, if there is a power outage, the exhaust from the running generator may increase the noise level temporarily.

Yes, there will be noise associated with construction activities from Monday through Friday, and occasionally on Saturdays, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Yes, during construction there will be intermittent lane closures with flaggers on-site to direct traffic.

The goal is to keep the bike lane, sidewalk, and traffic lanes open to all users during construction. Temporary closures of lanes and sidewalks may occur during the construction process.

The bus stop will remain open during construction but may be temporarily relocated for accessibility and safety reasons. PSTA will be provided advance notification should a relocation be necessary.

Pinellas County and its contractors are committed to reducing property access disruptions while maintaining the safety of all pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles on the roadway. If an access restriction is necessary due to construction operations, advance notification and coordination will be provided to the affected property owners/residents.

Pinellas County plans to keep the park open during construction of the project. Fencing will be installed around the construction site to ensure the safety of park visitors by keeping them at a safe distance from construction activities.

A maintenance of traffic plan will be utilized throughout construction to mitigate traffic issues around the project area and to provide safety for the traveling public and construction workers.

Prior to the start of construction activities, the contractor and project team will coordinate with the local postmaster and parcel delivery services to ensure the continuation of deliveries. During construction, delivery companies will have access to make deliveries.

Emergency and fire rescue services will not be affected by the project and they will continue to have full access to all surrounding communities during construction.

Pinellas County does not anticipate negative impacts to sensitive environmental areas or wildlife due to project-related activities.

Security lighting may be added during construction if necessary.

The project area will be restored, and new landscaping will be installed after construction work is completed.

Most of the trees on the property will be removed to make way for a series of small stormwater ponds necessary to meet current stormwater retention and treatment requirements. New landscaping will be installed as space allows.

The design consultant for this project is Wright-Pierce. The contractor will be selected after the design phase has been completed.

Residents, businesses, property owners and tenants located in the vicinity of the project will be notified via door-hanger notifications, mailouts, and/or face-to-face meetings. A public meeting is also scheduled for spring 2024. Updated project information will also be listed here on the project website and on Pinellas County’s social media platforms.

You can obtain project information about the project by visiting this project website, calling the project phone number at (727) 440-2717 or emailing the community outreach representative at projectinfo@gulfbeachwbs.com.