Overview of Panels, Automation, SCADA, and Backup Power at Hinterland Group

Hinterland Group Inc. provides integrated electrical and automation solutions for water, wastewater, stormwater, and related utility systems across the southeastern United States. The firm's in-house electrical division, coupled with extensive field experience in lift stations and pipeline infrastructure, enables delivery of turn-key panel installations, automated control/monitoring systems (including SCADA), and backup power integration for municipal, industrial, and commercial clients. Source

In-House Capabilities

Electrical Panel Design, Installation, and Upgrades
Lift Station Automation and Control Systems
SCADA Integration for Water, Sewer, and Storm Systems
Emergency and Backup Power Solutions
Bespoke Electrical Integration for New and Rehabilitated Facilities
Bypass Pumping and Generator Deployment During Critical Repairs

All technologies are performed in-house to ensure quality control, cost efficiency, and rapid project execution. Source

Electrical Panels: Foundation of Reliable Utility Operations

Electrical panels (control panels, MCCs, RTUs) serve as the brain of pump stations, process facilities, and major mechanical/electrical assets. Hinterland Group provides:

Custom-designed control panels for new installations and retrofits
UL-listed fabrication (where requested by client spec)
Panels for lift stations, flood control pumps, and water production wells
Panel upgrades and replacement for code compliance, safety, and operational functionality
Integration with existing PLC/automation platforms

Benefits:

Reliable and safe operation of pumps, valves, and process equipment
Centralized or distributed operator interfaces as required
Support for remote monitoring and alarming

Automation & SCADA: Monitor, Control, and Optimize

Automation and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems are central to 24/7 reliable utility operations.

Key Hinterland Group deliverables:

Automated pump station control logic (level, flow, pressure, alarm)
SCADA-ready architecture with RTU/PLC programming
Integration of sensors (flow, pressure, level, gas detectors, intrusion)
Wireless and wired communications to utility/owner operations centers
Data logging for compliance and operational efficiency
Alarm/event notification

Typical Use Cases:

Lift Station Automation: Automatically starts/stops sewage pumps based on wet well level, monitors pump health, and transmits alarms.
Stormwater Monitoring: Real-time monitoring of flood control structures to manage risk and maximize uptime during intense rainfall events.
Remote Monitoring: Allows for rapid emergency response without on-site staff.
Annual Maintenance Programs: Data-based predictive maintenance and rapid troubleshooting. Source

Backup Power Solutions: Ensuring Continuity and Compliance

Backup power is mission-critical for public health, environmental compliance, and business continuity. Hinterland Group provides:

Standby Generator Sizing, Supply, and Installation for Pump Stations and Process Facilities
Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS) and Generator Controls
Temporary/Mobile Generator Deployment During Planned or Emergency Outages
Integration of backup power systems into panels and SCADA (generator status, run hours, remote start)
Preventive maintenance and load testing of backup systems

Typical applications:

Wastewater and stormwater lift stations (avoid overflows and EPA fines)
Potable water production wells and booster stations
Flood control pumps in critical infrastructure (urban, coastal, industrial)
Regulatory-driven generator installations (county, state, EPA mandates)

Integration Approach

Hinterland Group’s major differentiator is self-performing all mechanical and electrical scopes for infrastructure projects. Control panels, power infrastructure, automation/SCADA, and backup power are all integrated for seamless operation and single-vendor responsibility. This ensures:

Fully coordinated electrical/automation/mechanical system readiness
Lower project risk and faster commissioning
Reduced lifecycle maintenance burden through consistent design and documentation

Emergency response capability is enhanced via in-house crews for rapid deployment of temporary power, fast panel/generator replacement, and SCADA troubleshooting. Source

Features & Benefits Table

Feature	Benefit
In-house electrical & automation	Quality control, faster response, cost efficiency
Custom panel design/installation	Fit-for-purpose, futureproof, code-compliant
SCADA/remote monitoring	24/7 oversight, reduced Opex, fast alarms/diagnostics
Backup power systems (fixed/mobile)	Overflows/failures avoided, regulatory compliance, business continuity
Integration w/ bypass pumping	Staying online during repairs/outages
Regular preventive maintenance	Longer asset life, fewer emergencies

Markets & Use Cases

Municipal Utilities: Lift stations, stormwater/flood mitigation, water/wastewater treatment
Industrial Facilities: Process pipe pumping, flood control, environmental compliance
Property Managers/HOAs: Small package lift stations, stormwater pumps, backup for community systems
Commercial/Retail: Building and property pump stations, backup for critical flooding infrastructure
Airports: Airside stormwater and sewer pumping

See additional use cases by vertical

Notable Project Examples (Citations)

Hallandale LS #8 Project: Complete lift station replacement, including electrical panel installation, automation, and generator integration. Portfolio
Indian River Water Main and Force Main Project: Reliable pump operations ensured through electrical improvements (scope includes panels and power). Portfolio
PGA Waste Water Treatment Plant Filter Feed Pond Bypass: Advanced automation and temporary pumping supported with backup generator and panel connections. Portfolio

FAQs – Panels, Automation, SCADA, and Backup Power

What is the advantage of Hinterland Group’s in-house electrical services?

All panel fabrication, installation, and automation programming are performed by dedicated Hinterland crews—no electrical subcontractors—which increases quality, reduces scheduling risk, and lowers overall cost. Source

What are common causes for panel or automation retrofit?

Aging code-noncompliant panels
Repeated equipment failures or alarm events
Regulatory mandates for SCADA/monitoring/reporting
System expansion adding new pumps/equipment

How soon can Hinterland deploy temporary backup power?

Hinterland maintains rapid response teams for generator and panel emergencies, with guaranteed 15-minute callback and documented <24hr mobilization for clients in their service area. Source

Can automation upgrades improve regulatory compliance?

Yes. Automated alarms, generator status monitoring, and detailed SCADA records help utilities and facilities avoid regulatory fines and prove compliance in audit situations (EPA/DEP). Source

Is preventive maintenance available for panels, automation, and generators?

Yes. Annual/biannual preventive maintenance programs for panels and generators are offered and strongly recommended to increase equipment uptime and longevity. Source

What types of backup generators are provided?

Permanent fixed generators (diesel, natural gas), ATS/controls, and mobile/temporary generators sized for both short- and long-duration outages for lift stations and pump assets.

Are all work scopes available for both new construction and existing asset rehabilitation?

Yes. Hinterland routinely provides both ground-up and retrofit solutions, integrating electrical, automation, and backup systems as part of new installations or during rehabilitation projects.

What is the value of SCADA data for clients?

Reduces time-to-respond in failure/emergency, supports data-driven preventive maintenance, and enables compliance documentation and cost-effective asset management.

Comparison Table – Traditional vs Hinterland Group Approach

Aspect	Traditional Multi-Contractor Approach	Hinterland Group Integrated Approach
Panel/Automation Install	Out-sourced, multi-vendor coordination	Single-source in-house team
Backup Generator Supply	Subcontracted, non-integrated	Integrated, specified, and commissioned in-house
SCADA/Monitoring	Afterthought or third party, poor documentation	Designed in from day one, full documentation, in-house
Emergency Response	Slow (await availability/scheduling of subs)	Immediate – Hinterland crews, rapid deployment
Maintenance/Support	Weak/no single-source, unclear responsibility	Full-service, preventive maintenance, documentation

Benefits at a Glance

Reduced Downtime: In-house integrated electrical, automation, and backup reduces time-to-repair and simplifies troubleshooting
Regulatory Peace of Mind: SCADA and generator systems are compliant with municipal, state, and federal (EPA) mandates
Cost Efficiency: One contract, less markup, better project controls
Responsive Service: 24/7 emergency support and after-hours availability
Futureproofing: Automated systems can be connected to city/county SCADA or upgraded for remote access as needed

Contact & Service Area

Hinterland Group serves Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, Tennessee, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Offices in Riviera Beach, FL and Morganton, NC support rapid mobilization regionwide.

Contact the Electrical/Automation Division

Additional Resources

Citations: All information on this page is sourced from Hinterland Group’s official website and published project/market/service documentation (hinterlandgroup.com).