Received an order from Tochigi Prefecture for main pump equipment renewal at Ishikawa Drainage Pumping Station [Orders Received in February 2025]

Fujioka-machi, Tochigi City, where the Ishikawa Drainage Pumping Station is located, is home to diverse agricultural operations, combining rice farming with vegetables such as soybeans, green onions, and garlic chives. While rising rice prices due to supply shortages are a current topic of concern, overall demand for staple rice is declining, so the region is exploring high-profit agricultural operations through the introduction of high-yield crops. This area has been designated as having future agricultural growth potential in Tochigi City’s Agricultural Promotion Area Development Plan, and development of agricultural infrastructure to support stable farming operations is an important issue.

However, the area is a low-lying plain surrounded by the Uzuma River to the northwest, the old Uzuma River to the east, and the Watarase Floodplain to the south. When rainfall causes the water level in the Watarase Floodplain to rise, natural drainage becomes difficult. In particular, during the Kanto/Tohoku heavy rains in September 2015, farmland was extensively flooded, causing significant damage. The existing pumping station has been in operation for over 40 years, and the deterioration of equipment such as pumps has become increasingly evident. If the equipment were to malfunction and interrupt the drainage functions, it could have a serious impact on farming operations in the region.

In this project, the existing equipment (two 500 mm double-suction volute pumps, 0.97 m3/s) will be dismantled, and new equipment (two 600 mm mixed-flow pumps, 1.3 m3/s) will be constructed to enhance drainage performance and mitigate flooding damage.

Bidding for this work used the comprehensive evaluation bidding system, with the theme “Constructionrelated technical issues requiring particular attention and their identification.” Torishima proposed an accurate and specific construction plan in response, which received high evaluations and won the contract. Construction is scheduled for completion by the end of FY2026, with the entire project slated for completion by FY2027.