Sewage Lagoon Upgrade

December 8, 2004 Update

Design of the treatment plant was delayed due to uncertainty of flow volumes. Leaks in the existing piping, wrongly connected pipes that introduce storm water into the sanitary system or an inaccurate flow meter could all contribute to the higher than expected flows being recorded. Tests of the existing piping system main lines were done by means of dyes and video cameras. As a result, some leaks and misconnections were discovered. Corrective actions were taken: the leaks were sealed, the wrongly connected pipes were disconnected and a new flow meter was installed. The engineers are basing their design on the conflation of our flow data and wastewater flow volumes experienced by institutions of similar size and type. The volumes derived are then escalated to account for growth until 2025.

The Sustainability Committee of the college has been concerned that the proposed wastewater treatment plant be based on sustainable principles and practices. To check on this concern the committee asked that Mr. Jerry Elliott from Weber Elliott Engineers make a presentation of the design process, the method of treatment and DEQ requirements. Jerry made a full and detailed presentation that was well received by the committee.

The preliminary engineering report for the treatment plant is scheduled to be submitted to DEQ by January 6, 2005 after which DEQ staff will review and comment. A number of other submissions and reviews will culminate in a projected start of construction date of November, 2005.

Questions and comments about the sewage lagoon project may be directed to 463-5747 or 463-5727 or emailed to Bob Mention (mentionr@lanecc.edu).