Whitley County Septic Elimination, Phase 1

In 2020, JPR was selected by the Whitley County Regional Water and Sewer District (WCRWSD) as the engineer for advancing a planned septic elimination project for the unincorporated communities of Coesse, Dunfee, Stable Acres, County Line South, Churubusco South, and Churubusco West. JPR prepared a Preliminary Engineer Report for these service areas and assisted the WCRWSD in applying to the State Revolving Fund (SRF) for funding.

As part of the funding package, JPR helped negotiate interlocal service agreements with utilities to provide wastewater treatment, involving negotiations with The City of Columbia City, Aqua Indiana, and Town of Churubusco. When it was discovered that the Churubusco wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) lacked capacity, JPR assisted the WCRWSD in discussions with the SRF to enable a phased approach to the septic elimination project. Consequently, the project was divided into two phases.

Phase 1, which encompassed Coesse, Dunfee, Stable Acres, and County Line South, resulted in a total project cost of just under $5 million. In 2021, as JPR was completing the design and bid packages, the WCRWSD was awarded $5 million in SWIF and WAF grants. This allowed Phase 1 to be built utilizing 100-percent grant funding. Additionally, JPR helped negotiate with The City of Columbia City and Aqua Indiana to manage the assets and operations of the installed infrastructure at Phase 1 completion. This unique arrangement resulted in the lowest possible rate for property owners.

Servicing approximately 140 customers, Phase 1 consisted of a low-pressure sewer system with a small area of gravity sewer in County Line South. Project construction was substantially complete in 2023, and JPR is now managing the customer connection process which includes coordination with each treatment provider as each customer is connected to the system.

As part of the funding requirements, homeowners were obligated to own and operate their own grinder station. JPR organized multiple open house meetings to educate property owners about the requirements and responsibilities associated with owning a grinder station.

JPR is working with the District to secure funding for Phase 2 of the project, encompassing Churubusco South and Churubusco West. The Whitley County Council has allocated $1 million in grant funds from the ARPA funds.

Completion of this septic elimination project provides residents with various benefits including the ability to further develop their property with additions and new structures and the ability to utilize more of their yard  since it is no longer needed for septic tanks and absorption fields. It will also improve environmental quality of life as harmful pollutants will no longer be released due to the elimination of old and failing septic systems.