Two turbines that provide power for the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans’ drainage pumps are out of service, leaving the agency relying on noisy electromotive diesel generators to keep pumps running during rainstorms.
SWBNO had restored Turbine 4 to service last month, but over the weekend, the turbine failed again.
“Working with a machine built in 1915 will inevitability come with significant challenges,” the agency said in a statement. “As recently as rain event on Saturday, June 5, Turbine 4 tripped offline and could not be brought back on.”
SWBNO technicians found the parts that need replacing are so old, they are no longer available. In order to fix the 106-year-old turbine, new parts will have to be made from scratch.
“The initial timeframe for the fabrication of these parts is approximately 8 weeks,” the agency said. “We recognize that this timeframe takes us into the thick of Hurricane Season, which is why we are working with our contractor to investigate all possible options to expedite this process.”
In addition to Turbine 4’s troubles, Turbine 5 remains offline because nationwide steel shortages are delaying its repair.
“We know that fully modernizing our power generation system is key to both the future of this agency and this city,” said executive director Ghassan Korban. “That is why we are working tirelessly, in coordination with Entergy, to bring a dedication Entergy substation to our Carrollton Water Plant as we as bringing a new, state-of-the-art Turbine to our arsenal of power.”
