Invisible Damages to Submerged Pumps

With complicated and invisible mechanical and electrical damages to submerged equipment at the Schneider Canal Pump Station (SCPS), FEMA’s initial Project Worksheet scope captured only a limited portion of the total damages.

Slidell requested FEMA to prepare an A&E Project Worksheet (Engineering study funding) in order to facilitate a detailed damages report and allow for the development of an accurate PW scope of work. After initial resistance, FEMA funded the A&E PW which revealed significant damages to the submerged equipment, resulting in a detailed and accurate permanent repair Project Worksheet.

This photo was taken after the elevation of the submerged pumps to the station’s upper deck, revealing corrosion damages to the pump’s impeller from Lake Pontchartrain’s brackish water.