An important part of King County’s flood-prevention infrastructure in the Green River Valley is about to be upgraded, when the Black River Pump Station in Renton gets some much-needed improvements.
Later this summer, the four-decade-old pump station that drains portions of Kent and Renton in the northeast portion of the Green River Valley will get new double-walled fuel tanks, a new double-walled pipe and a multi-sensor leak detection system, according to a King County Flood Control District media release.
“The Black River Pump Station is essential to protecting commercial and residential areas in Kent and Renton, and this upgrade to the fuel storage and delivery systems will help ensure that this important flood-prevention feature remains in excellent operating condition,” said King County Flood District Chair Reagan Dunn.
“Protecting the people and businesses in the Green River Valley from flooding is essential to our region and requires a comprehensive strategy – one that includes an excellent emergency plan, strong levees, and upgrades to this important pump station,” said King County Flood Control District Vice Chair Julia Patterson, whose County Council district includes the Green River Valley. “These upgrades help ensure that the Flood District is doing everything we can to prepare for potential flooding.”
Including design, construction and materials, the upgrade project will cost approximately $1.34 million, with funding provided by the Flood Control District.
The Black River Pump Station regulates flow of water from the Black River drainage basin into the Green River, and serves to block high flows on the Green River from flooding up into the Black River and Springbrook Creek watersheds.
Additional improvements are coming to the Black River Pump Station, including a scheduled sediment removal project that will boost the pumping capacity of the five large pumps that are housed at the facility.
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