Sutter National Wildlife Refuge - Intake Pump Station and Fish Screen Facility

Ardurra served as the engineer of record for this design-assist project, delivering electrical infrastructure for a new intake pump station and fish screen facility at Sutter National Wildlife Refuge. The project required specialized power distribution design for equipment located in a riverbed environment, while coordinating utility service requirements with PG&E.

Key Deliverables:

• Coordinated primary power service requirements with PG&E and designed incoming service facilities, including 12 kV recloser, 750 kVA transformer (12.47 kV to 480V), distribution switchboard, and motor control center

• Engineered standalone variable frequency drives for fish screen operations and four horizontal pump motors (60 to 200 HP) supporting irrigation of duck hunting fields

• Conducted power system studies, including arc flash analysis, short circuit calculations, protective device coordination, and equipment evaluation, ensuring code compliance and operational safety

• Designed elevated platform installation for all electrical and pumping equipment to protect systems from riverbed flooding

The facility provides reliable water delivery for wildlife habitat management while meeting stringent environmental protection standards through integrated fish screening technology. Ardurra's electrical design optimized equipment performance within challenging environmental conditions, ensuring the refuge maintains critical irrigation capabilities for waterfowl habitat. The elevated platform configuration protects infrastructure investments while supporting the refuge's conservation mission and sustainable habitat management for migratory bird populations.