Going Over and Above in the Wastewater Industry

Raising the Pump Standard with Above-Ground Valve Stations

What do you think of when you think of the wastewater industry?  Well, besides that! (We’re sorry, we couldn’t resist!)

In all seriousness, when you think of wastewater installations, you think of pumps, controls, and monitoring systems housed below ground in wet, confined spaces. Dark, hard-to-access, underground holes.  That is how it has always been, and it makes sense.  That’s where the pumps are. 

Things are changing.  More municipalities, engineers, and system integrators are embracing lift station designs that relocate critical pump valving shut-off and check valving above ground.

This shift is more than just an engineering preference. It represents a broader movement toward greater safety, reliability, and efficiency in wastewater infrastructure. But why is this happening now?

Driven by Desire for Safety and Compliance

One of the major driving forces behind this transition is regulatory pressure. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) guidelines emphasize reducing worker exposure to confined spaces due to the inherent risks—methane gases, and potential engulfment hazards.

Many local and federal regulatory bodies are now recommending or mandating designs that limit confined space entries for operations and maintenance. Above-ground valve station components make it possible for personnel to monitor and manage system performance without entering hazardous zones, aligning with modern safety protocols and permitting compliance with confined space entry regulations.

At Keen Pump, we support these standards.  They will solve problems that save valuable service time with the ease of service and maintenance.

Addressing Modern-Day Infrastructure Challenges

Wastewater systems are under more stress than ever. Aging infrastructure, population growth, extreme weather events, and rising operational costs are all pushing utility providers to think smarter and more sustainably.

Traditional below-grade valving:

• Require frequent, often hazardous confined space entries.
• Are prone to corrosion with methane gases.
• Make it difficult to quickly diagnose and repair system failures.

Above-ground configurations directly counter these challenges by improving access, visibility, and protection of valving equipment. This results in fewer maintenance interruptions and improved response time in emergencies.

Efficiency, Safety, and Scalability

Here’s why we love above-ground valve stations:

Improved Worker Safety
No need for confined space entry drastically reduces liability, training costs, and risk exposure.  At Keen Pump, we ensure adequate lighting and easy access.  It’s so much safer above ground.

Easier Maintenance and Monitoring
Technicians can inspect and troubleshoot without hoisting equipment or entering vaults, improving response time and reducing downtime.

Enhanced Equipment Longevity
All piping and valving fare far better in dry, accessible environments, lowering replacement and repair costs.

Cost Savings
While upfront construction may require more planning, lifecycle costs are reduced significantly due to fewer maintenance interventions, safety incidents, and equipment replacements.

Where It Works Best: Ideal Projects for Above-Ground Valve Stations

Above-ground valve station setups are particularly well-suited for:

• Municipal sewer systems: Especially in suburban and rural areas with distributed station networks.
• Industrial wastewater facilities: Where high-strength waste and hazardous conditions increase risk factors.
• New developments and retrofits: Modernizing outdated infrastructure to comply with new safety and technological standards.

Leading the Charge: Keen Pump’s Commitment to Innovation

When it comes to custom-designed above-ground valve stations, Keen Pump of Ashland, Ohio, is setting the pace.   Our team brings decades of engineering expertise and a relentless focus on safety, reliability, and field-tested performance.

Keen Pump offers fully integrated systems tailored to each project's unique requirements—whether for municipalities, utilities, or industrial applications. Our above-ground solutions combine rugged construction, intuitive design, and the latest monitoring technologies to deliver unmatched ease of maintenance and operational confidence.

Take the Next Step

If you're planning a new wastewater project or upgrading outdated infrastructure, now is the time to explore a smarter, safer, and more efficient solution. Partner with Keen Pump and discover how above-ground valve stations can transform your operations.

Contact Keen Pump in Ashland, Ohio, today to learn more about our custom-engineered systems and how they’re leading the next generation of wastewater innovation.

Visit www.keenpump.com or call (419) 207-9400 to start the conversation.