Overview
Construction of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project was completed at the end of 2024. This $19.9 million infrastructure project significantly enhances the Town’s wastewater treatment capabilities through two major construction components:
- A new Aeration Process Building constructed over existing aeration tanks, including a dedicated administration area.
- Upgraded solids processing equipment in the existing Solids Building.
Funded by a combination of a low-interest Water Pollution Control State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan, a Green Project Reserve loan from the Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and a grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), the project exemplifies the Town’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure improvements.
- Key Upgrades and Benefits
Aeration Process Building & Administration Area:
- Provides improved operation and maintenance year-round, especially during winter.
- Optimizes the biological nutrient removal process, reducing air demand and increasing process efficiency.
- Enables compliance with current and future regulatory discharge limits.
- Includes dedicated lab, break, office, and electrical rooms—addressing critical health and safety concerns.
- Supports future addition of a phosphorus treatment unit and includes plans for a ~75kW solar array.
Solids Processing Enhancements:
- In-kind replacement of three sludge transfer pumps and two automated valves.
- Replacement of three PD blowers with two high-efficiency models.
- Installation of a new HVAC and air handling system.
- Addition of a solids thickener.
- Anticipated 67% reduction in energy consumption from these upgrades.
Electrical & SCADA System Upgrades:
- New Human Machine Interface (HMI).
- Upgraded Programmable Logic Controller (PLC).
- Replacement of SCADA network infrastructure (approximately 25 years old).
- Sustainability and Community Impact
These improvements not only ensure regulatory compliance but also enhance air quality within the facility and surrounding neighborhoods. The project is expected to significantly reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, supporting the Town Council’s climate action goals.
- Project Management & Milestones
Project Managment:
- Carollo Engineering – Design Phases (30% through Final), retained August 2021.
- Moltz Construction – Construction Manager/General Contractor (60% design through GMP), retained January 2022.
Milestones:
- May–October 2023: Structural work including pier drilling, grade beams, framing, and slab pours.
- Fall 2023–Winter 2024: Mechanical, electrical, HVAC, and roofing installations.
- Late 2024: Final installations, system testing, and project closeout began.
Thank you to the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) for their generous design, engineering, and construction grants. In December 2022, the Town secured two 20-year SRF loans—one low-interest and one Green Project Reserve loan—through the Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. These funds supported energy-efficient upgrades to solids processing equipment, HVAC systems, and solar panels. We’re also grateful to all stakeholders and departments involved in this important project.
