Additional backup power generators for City of Carlsbad sewer lift stations could be up and running by the end of 2021 or early 2022 thanks to a grant from the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED).

July 27, Carlsbad’s City Council approved a $178,000 NMED grant to purchase electrical generators at City sewer lift stations, read a memorandum from City of Carlsbad Director of Utilities Ron Myers to councilors.

He said 10 sewer lift stations operate in the City of Carlsbad. Two have backup power and the state grant would allow for backup power at two more stations.

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“We believe that we can install two more generators with the money from this grant. We have not decided which two lift stations will be equipped next, but that decision will be made within the next few weeks,” Myers said.

Maddy Hayden, NMED spokesperson, said generator funding was determined by the 2021 New Mexico Legislature.

“This project is funded through capital outlay. This project was reauthorized from a previous year. Capital outlay projects are usually funded through state general fund or through state bonds,” she said.

Myers said a sewer lift station pumps sewage waste from a lower elevation to a higher elevation as it is conveyed to the wastewater treatment plant for processing.

“Key elements of lift stations include a wastewater receiving well (wet-well), often equipped with a screen or grinding to remove coarse materials; pumps and piping with associated valves; motors; a power supply system; an equipment control and alarm system; and an odor control system and ventilation system,” read a document from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).