Buckeye Solid Separation Project

by | Dec 4, 2023 | News

At McClure, we thrive on engineering challenges that push the boundaries of creativity and innovation. The Buckeye Solid Separation project is a prime example of our commitment to delivering unique solutions to meet the needs of our clients. This case study takes you through the transformation of an existing facility to enhance capacity, efficiency, and environmental impact for the Kansas City Water Department.

The Buckeye Solid Separation project was initiated by the Kansas City Water Department to address the growing demand for increased solids separation at the Buckeye pump station. The facility received material from vacuum trucks, both from the city and private contractors, which needed to undergo solid-liquid separation. Furthermore, the station was crucial for stormwater debris, and roll-off carts required draining before disposal at landfills and other locations.

The Need for the Project

Before our intervention, the Buckeye pump station faced limitations in terms of processing capacity. The configuration allowed only one truck to actively dump at a time, resulting in inefficiencies and waiting times. Our mission was clear: create a solution that would allow multiple vehicles to dump simultaneously and significantly improve the function of this utility.

Our Solution

McClure stepped in to develop the project scope and design that would revolutionize the Buckeye pump station. The unique solution we proposed involved the creation of a larger third facility where various types of vehicles, including tractor trailers, straight trucks, vacuum trucks, and roll-off containers, could be accommodated simultaneously. We ensured that truck drivers were well-informed about their limits to avoid interference with the sewage receiving area. Additionally, a new entrance off the outer road was added to enhance truck turning and overall facility movement.

Impact on the Community

The Buckeye Solid Separation project brought about significant improvements for the community, contractors, and the City of Kansas City (KC Water):

  1. Enhanced Efficiency: Multiple trucks could now dump at the same time, drastically reducing wait times and increasing overall efficiency. This streamlined the process of dropping off and dumping materials, making it more time-efficient for all stakeholders.
  2. Reduced Environmental Impact: The project allowed for the effective separation and settling of sand and debris before discharge into city sewers. This, in turn, prevented grit and other abrasives from entering the pumps at the Buckeye pump station, preserving the station’s longevity and reducing maintenance costs.
  3. Collaboration: The project was a testament to the collaborative spirit between McClure’s team and the City of Kansas City Water staff. Our unique approach required creativity, teamwork, and a shared commitment to solving a complex engineering challenge.
  4. Out-of-the-Box Thinking: The Buckeye Solid Separation project was not a standard design but a customized solution tailored to the unique needs of the Kansas City Water Department. This out-of-the-box thinking sets an example for future projects, showcasing our ability to deliver innovative solutions.

In conclusion, the Buckeye Solid Separation project was a remarkable engineering endeavor that exemplified McClure’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of design and execution. By providing a more efficient and environmentally conscious solution, we contributed to the well-being of the community while redefining the possibilities in the field of engineering.

Want to connect on your Missouri water project? Contact Mike Hall today.

Mike Hall, PE, M.ASCE

Mike Hall, PE, M.ASCE

Mike currently serves as Team Leader where he is responsible for delivering water, wastewater and stormwater planning, design, and construction projects. He brings nearly 30 years of water and wastewater engineering experience in the Municipal, Industrial and Agricultural market sectors and has a thorough understanding of the MoDNR, USDA and EPA policies, design standards, and grant process. Mike has gained extensive experience leading design, planning and construction projects in Missouri and Iowa. His experience includes contract preparation, manpower allocation, planning, design, cost-estimates, plan review, construction administration, construction management, project startup, troubleshooting, energy efficiency analysis, and quality control. Mike prepares designs, specifications, and construction documents, and collaborates with clients and government agencies to develop funding resources. You can contact Mike at mhall@mcclurevision.com.

Mike Hall, PE, M.ASCE

Mike Hall, PE, M.ASCE

Mike currently serves as Team Leader where he is responsible for delivering water, wastewater and stormwater planning, design, and construction projects. He brings nearly 30 years of water and wastewater engineering experience in the Municipal, Industrial and Agricultural market sectors and has a thorough understanding of the MoDNR, USDA and EPA policies, design standards, and grant process. Mike has gained extensive experience leading design, planning and construction projects in Missouri and Iowa. His experience includes contract preparation, manpower allocation, planning, design, cost-estimates, plan review, construction administration, construction management, project startup, troubleshooting, energy efficiency analysis, and quality control. Mike prepares designs, specifications, and construction documents, and collaborates with clients and government agencies to develop funding resources. You can contact Mike at mhall@mcclurevision.com.

Learn More

Learn more about McClure’s Water & Wastewater services or contact us at info@mcclurevision.com.