WWTP & Interceptor Sewer Improvements

Beginning design in 2022, JPR provided innovative solutions for improvements to an existing wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and interceptor sewer for the Town of Bremen. The project was broken into two contracts.

Contract A: WWTP Improvements - JPR’s responsibilities included a 1.5 MGD package extended aeration wastewater treatment plant; a control, chemical feed, and blower building; and a storage building. Improvements were made to the sludge drying bed, and a new SCADA system and outfall to Yellow River were also designed. A new mechanical screen was incorporated, along with a gravity tank drain system, standby electrical generator, UV disinfection system, and more. The project also encompassed a water main extension to Industrial Drive.

The site has faced significant flooding, which has prevented the Town from discharging wastewater. To solve this, JPR designed the plant to be partially buried, positioning the discharge point above the 500-year floodplain. This ensures that wastewater can still be discharged during flooding conditions. JPR also designed a 3-pump triplex pump station, sized appropriately to handle average daily flows with one pump running, and peak daily flows with two pumps running concurrently. This will prevent the headworks channel from overflowing when influent flows are at their highest, which was a consistent problem in the past. Additionally, JPR designed an interconnection between a proposed digester, existing digester, and sludge drying beds so that a single set of lobe sludge pumps can be used. This eliminated the need for multiple pumps and will allow the Town to continue the use of their existing aerobic digester after project completion.

Contract B: Interceptor Sewer Improvements - This contract consisted of 1,600 linear feet of 36-inch PVC Sanitary Sewer, 900 linear feet of 36-inch RCP sanitary sewer, 25 manholes ranging from 4-feet to 6-feet, and four 6-foot diameter doghouse sanitary manholes. Maintenance access drives were also included, along with pavement, sidewalk, and curb restorations.

The location of the interceptor sewer was found to be challenging with a large portion located in difficult-to-access areas within residents’ backyards. Instead of using open-excavation methods to replace the interceptor sewer, this section of pipe was designed to be refurbished using cured-in-place pipe lining. Additionally, a section routes through a town park, and the Town wanted to have truck access to the sewer. Instead of constructing an unsightly crushed stone drive, the project includes a grass paver system allowing truck access while still maintaining the beauty of the park.

Throughout the project, the client was kept up to date every step of the way with detailed design reviews and site meetings. JPR provided utilities engineering, architecture, planning, and survey services, along with funding procurement for this project. The project was funded through IFA SRF Pool Funding.

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