FPUD awards sewer pump replacement to Godwin Pumps of America

The Fallbrook Public Utility District board voted to approve the bid of Godwin Pumps of America, Inc., to replace the district’s portable sewage pump.

The Bridgeport, N.J. company provided a bid of $34,558.58 for the replacement. The FPUD board approved the bid March 28.

“All three bidders met our requirements, so we just awarded it to the lowest bidder,” said FPUD engineering and planning manager Jack Bebee.

Rain for Rent, which is based in Bakersfield, had a bid of $38,042.95. Toolshed Equipment Rental of Escondido bid $46,409.75.

FPUD’s aging wastewater treatment plant requires bypass pumping to avoid spillage caused by failed components. FPUD has a gas-powered six-inch portable pump, but that device was manufactured in 1980 and no longer meets California Air Resources Board or San Diego Air Pollution Control District portable equipment regulations.

FPUD is currently renting an eight-inch pump and accessories for approximately $6,565 per month. The desire to own rather than rent a pump led to the advertisement for bids of an eight-inch pump with a tier 3 diesel engine which will meet both FPUD’s operational requirements and air pollution agency regulations.

Two bids were placed before the FPUD board Jan. 24, and one of those did not include all items correctly, so the board approved a re-bid for the replacement pump.

In addition to the pump and diesel engine, the Godwin package includes an eight-inch suction and discharge connection, eight 8”x10” suction hoses with fittings, and male and female flange adapters.

“We’re trying to see how quickly we can get it,” Bebee said. “They aren’t off the shelf, so they have to fabricate and deliver.”

Bebee expects that the delivery will occur during May.

The eight-inch pump will be used until major renovation takes place on the wastewater treatment plant. FPUD is currently in the planning process for that renovation, which will be followed by the design phase and then actual construction.

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