The City of La Porte City was faced with a compliance schedule to make improvements to its wastewater treatment facility, which was last upgraded in the 1980s.

The City hired MSA to evaluate its wastewater treatment facility (WWTF) after design progress had stalled out with the firm selected several years prior. MSA amended the previous wastewater facility plan, while taking into account input from City and operations staff. With the wastewater facility plan approved, the City and MSA moved forward with design.

MSA’s design process included regular interaction with the City and operations staff resulting in an efficient and cost-effective design. The WWTF upgrades agreed upon included a new screen/ influent pump station building, grit removal, expansion/conversion of the existing sequencing batch reactors to an AeroMod activated sludge treatment plant, ultraviolet disinfection, reed beds for sludge processing, and electrical/ control and valve replacements to the City’s main lift station.

Converting the existing sequencing batch reactors to continuous flow activated sludge treatment process proved to be an innovative and cost-effective solution for the City. This sustainable solution allowed the City to increase treatment capacity and meet permit limits within the footprint of the existing facility. No additional features for flow equalization were required, downstream hydraulics were optimized, and there was minimal impact to the neighboring residents with regard to separation distance waivers.

MSA was retained for full-time construction-related services for the project as well, which allowed for successful communication and quick problem-solving between the City, contracted operations staff, and the contractor. Alternate equipment was negotiated to save the City $670,000 in expense.

MSA also assisted the City in providing funding support to secure SRF loan forgiveness and WTFAP grant to help make the project more affordable for the community.