RBF Consulting to construct LA pumping plant

The Whittier Utility Authority (WUA) has selected Michael Baker International company RBF Consulting to provide engineering design and construction management services for the replacement of WUA Pumping Plant No. 2 in the Los Angeles (LA) suburb.

With an estimated construction value of $13.7m, the project includes a new 18.9 million gallons a day pump station, two 2.2 million gallon above-grade steel reservoirs, and a 6,400ft² pump building which will supply safe and reliable water to 48,000 citizens in the service area.

The project will transport groundwater from the Whittier Narrows to ensure the long-term health of Whittier’s water delivery system.

Whittier director of public works David Pelser said: "RBF did a great job working with the city during the design phase of the project, so we hired the same team to provide construction management services also."

The new on-site and off-site facilities will include improvements to system operations by providing fully automated controls for the well field and the new pumping plant.

RBF/Baker International vice president of construction management Jerome Ruddins said: "We are extremely pleased to be assisting the City of Whittier and the WUA in the implementation of this important project from the construction management perspective."

Baker International Joins Forces with City of Whittier for Water Delivery Project
RBF Consulting, a company of Michael Baker International, was selected by the City of Whittier/Whittier Utility Authority (WUA) for engineering design services and construction management of the replacement of WUA Pumping Plant No. 2, with an estimated construction value of $13,720,700.
This significant project ensures the long-term health of Whittier’s water delivery system that transports groundwater from the Whittier Narrows to the City’s water customers.
The project contributes to a safe and reliable water supply for 48,000 citizens in the City’s service area, and it supports Baker International’s objective of delivering innovative engineering and construction management services to our clients locally.
"RBF did a great job working with the City during the design phase of the project, so we hired the same team to provide construction management services also," said David Pelser, Director of Public Works, City of Whittier.
"This is an outstanding project for Baker International and our growing National Water Practice. Our team is looking forward to continuing our partnership with the City of Whittier/Whittier Utility Authority," said Cindy Miller, Senior Project Manager at Baker International. "It is personally and professionally rewarding to be able to serve our local communities with the development of sustainable water delivery and storage systems with the replacement of this 1930’s pumping plant."
The project includes a new 18.9 MGD pump station, two 2.2 MG above-grade steel reservoirs, and a 6,400 square-foot pump building. The new on-site and off-site facilities will include improvements to system operations by providing fully automated controls for the well field and the new pumping plant.
"We are extremely pleased to be assisting the City of Whittier and the Whittier Utility Authority in the implementation of this important project from the Construction Management perspective," stated Jerome Ruddins, Vice President of Construction Management for RBF/Baker International. "We are looking forward to a long and trusted relationship with the agencies and a highly successful project completion effort. Baker International’s national water experts bring the continuity of service from engineering through construction management to ensure that our clients and our community’s needs are met with this new project."