Chicago's Springfield Avenue Pumping Station is set to be demolished this week.
(Chicago, IL) – April 5, 2012. Electricity is replacing steam power at the City of Chicago’s Springfield Avenue Pumping Station, as part of “Building a New Chicago”, a comprehensive $7.3 billion infrastructure renewal program put forward by Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
In a network of 12 pumping stations, the Springfield Station, at 1725 N. Springfield Avenue in Chicago which will be demolished this week, is one of four being switched over from steam turbines and boilers to electric motors. The move will reduce the station’s carbon footprint, create approximately 200 jobs over the next three years, and save more than $7.5 million each year in energy and operating costs.
Several buildings will be demolished at the site.
A new building will house variable-speed drive equipment, switch gear, and other facilities. The new building will include a green roof system for improved storm water management. Solar collection panels will also share space on the roof.
The project represents a $64.6 million investment with an expected completion in July 2015.
“No area of our infrastructure is more crucial for Chicago’s long-term health and economic competitiveness than our water system,” said Emanuel. “And will allow the City to save money while providing essential services more efficiently.”
The transformation at Springfield Pumping Station will reduce carbon emissions by 17,380 tons each year, based on current water pumping rates and is the equivalent of the annual greenhouse gas emissions of 2,888 automobiles, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Buildings to be demolished this week including the old garage, the shop building, and a former chlorine building, dating back to the days before the Jardine Water Purification Plant was built.
Discussion
No comments yet.