Tehachapi-Cummings County Water District Engine Replacement Project
Award
Energy Project
Description
The Engine Replacement Project was a proactive capital improvement completed for the Tehachapi-Cummings County Water District (TCCWD) in Kern County, California. TCCWD owns and operates four pumping plants that convey 21 CFS of State Water Project (SWP) supplies from the San Joaquin Valley floor, up approximately 3,400 feet in elevation, and into the Tehachapi Mountains to Brite Reservoir. These facilities require substantial and continuous energy input to maintain reliable water delivery.
Two pumping plants are located in a remote and environmentally sensitive area (Tejon Ranch), limiting the ability to extend electrical infrastructure. These facilities rely on natural gas engines, which were more than 30 years old, posing increasing reliability and maintenance risks. Replacement of these engines modernized the District’s energy infrastructure while continuing to utilize existing natural gas resources.
This project began with a procurement phase in which Provost & Pritchard Consulting Group (P&P) worked with TCCWD to select a supplier, manufacturer, and engine configuration. Following completion of procurement and conceptual design, the project transitioned into a design-build delivery contract between TCCWD and W.M. Lyles Co. (WML), with P&P serving as Project Engineer.
The primary scope of work included replacement of four lean-burn natural gas engines at each of two pumping plants (PP2 and PP3) with new rich-burn engines. Each 1,200-horsepower engine drives a vertical turbine pump and supports a 16,000-horsepower system that operates continuously. The project required catalytic emissions control systems, silencers, and extensive new piping as well as new control panels, programming updates, and maintenance platforms.
P&P developed 60% plans for PP3 (completed in 2025), and subsequently advanced to 90% plans for PP2. Several challenges were encountered during construction; however, the new engines are now fully operational and provide a reliable, cost-effective energy solution with improved operability and maintainability for this critical water conveyance system.
Branch
