Gage Drain Pump Station

The Gage Drain, established in 1879, is an open-channel drain running through Buena Vista Charter Township and parts of Zilwaukee, Bridgeport Charter Township, and the City of Saginaw. Serving as a stormwater outlet, it directs runoff to the Gage Pump Station. The drainage area spans urban, agricultural, industrial, and commercial lands, covering 3,300 parcels, two railroads, multiple state highways, and local roadways. The Gage Pump Station has managed stormwater conveyance for over 76 years, preventing flooding along the 6.9-mile drain and its 4,512-acre watershed.

Due to aging equipment and maintenance challenges, the pump station required extensive renovations. In 2016, Buena Vista Charter Township petitioned for improvements, prompting a field review. Spicer Group was contracted to design upgrades to the pump station, which included replacing the original pumps with three new axial-flow pumps, each with a capacity of 35,000 GPM. High-efficiency motors, a self-cleaning trash rack, and an electrical system overhaul with real-time monitoring were also installed.

Renovations to the Gage Drain included channel cleanout, erosion stabilization, and new culverts - replacing undersized and perched culverts that contributed to flooding. A box culvert at Wadsworth Road required relocating a 24” City of Saginaw water main. These efforts reduced flood risks and improved stormwater flow, water quality, and ecosystem health.

This project showcases advanced stormwater management through automation, real-time monitoring, and intelligent systems, ensuring the pump station’s reliability and efficiency for future demands.