Using a portable crane, workers from Ensley Engineer Yard unload pump part for storage as the Navy Cavitation Facility on President's Island.

     The Memphis District took delivery Tuesday (Jan. 22) of the third and final shipment of the pumps for the Grand Prairie pumping station. The pumps went into storage at the Navy Cavitation Facility on President’s Island until the court determines the ultimate status of the Grand Prairie Project.

     If the court ultimately decides in favor of the Corps, the pumps will be installed in the project. Otherwise, the Corps will sell the pumps.

     “We appreciate the court allowing us to complete the pump fabrication and delivery, and protect this costly investment,” said Project Manager Paul Hamm. “We also appreciate the U.S. Navy providing space in their facility to store the pumps.”

     Work on the multi-million dollar water management project, designed to protect and preserve the Alluvial and Sparta aquifers, is currently on hold while the Corps answers court challenges from the National Wildlife Federation and Arkansas Wildlife Federation. They allege the work proposed by the local sponsor and the Corps would adversely impact the Ivory-billed woodpecker.

Don Mayer (kneeling) directs the unloading of a pump section as Greg Grugett watches from behind.

     Studies and surveys by the Corps say this is untrue. Their findings are supported by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, when Field Supervisor Mark Sattelberg wrote, “… the (Fish and Wildlife) Service concurs with the Corps of Engineers conclusion to its Biological Assessment that the Grand Prairie Demonstration Project, which includes surveys, long term environmental monitoring and adaptive management, is not likely to adversely affect the Ivory-billed woodpecker.”

     Assistant Project Manager Greg Grugett was at the Navy facility for the unloading process.

     “Don Mayer and his crew did a great job on this challenging job,” Grugett said. “They battled cold weather and accomplished a potentially dangerous set of heavy lifts in a very professional manner. My ‘hardhat’ is off to them.”