Responding to Superstorm Sandy
In 2012, Superstorm Sandy devastated large portions of the East Coast, including New York and New Jersey. With record storm surges and widespread power outages, hundreds of municipal pumping stations lost function. Cornell Pump products were deployed as emergency bypass units across dozens of sites to help restore flow, manage stormwater, and prevent sewer backups. These pumps played a key role in helping agencies respond to the crisis while permanent systems were repaired or restored.
Quick-Deploy Skid and Trailer Units
Portable bypass units employing Cornell pumps are specifically engineered for rapid deployment and continuous operation under emergency conditions. Trailer- or skid-mounted packages can be quickly positioned and connected to lift stations or manholes, bypassing failed systems or providing supplemental capacity. Diesel-driven and sound-attenuated options allow for flexible operation in urban and residential settings.
Handling High Volumes with Confidence
Cornell’s municipal pump lines, including the popular N-Series and cutter pump configurations, are capable of moving high volumes of water, solids, and debris with minimal clogging. These pumps are designed for the realities of stormwater and wastewater emergencies, offering high efficiency, dry-run capability, and Cycloseal® sealing systems that reduce maintenance needs.
Built-In Reliability for Remote Operation
In hurricane conditions, site access is often limited. That’s why emergency response pumps must be dependable, self-contained, and resistant to environmental hazards. Bypass packages from Cornell’s trust partners fluid rental equipment houses are built with these demands in mind, featuring rugged construction, reliable priming systems, and remote monitoring options for offsite status updates.
Protecting Infrastructure and Public Health
Bypass pumping helps municipalities reduce the risk of sanitary sewer overflows, flooded basements, and contaminated waterways during storms. Strategic placement of backup systems provides resilience to water treatment infrastructure and supports recovery during prolonged weather events.
Preparedness Starts Before the Storm
The best emergency response is proactive. Municipalities across the country now stage portable bypass units in flood-prone areas before hurricane season begins. By partnering with trusted pump manufacturers and fluid rental equipment houses, and having equipment ready to deploy, cities can respond more effectively when disaster strikes.
Cornell Pump: A Proven Partner in Emergency Response
With a legacy of service during Superstorm Sandy and countless other weather events, Cornell Pump continues to support municipalities with reliable, high-performance pumping solutions. Whether used in planned maintenance or critical emergency response, Cornell pumps help protect public infrastructure and ensure communities recover faster.
Cornell pumps helping dewater the subway in New York City after the Sandy.
