The Problem

The Southwestern Consolidated School District (SWCSD) needed to replace its existing Steel Packaged Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) serving the School System in Shelby County, Indiana. The existing packaged plant was aged and corroded to the point that it was financially implausible to repair.

The Solution

Commonwealth Engineers’ goal was to build the plant during the summer of 2016 while school was out. With this timeframe, we had to act quickly, keeping the schedule a priority. The Design-Build process provided the flexibility to move forward quickly and efficiently, providing the desired quality of the end product.

The One Water Algae Wheel Waste Water Treatment System is a relatively new process, and OneWater was eager to provide the system at a substantial discount if installed in 2016. The Algae Wheel System won out in the end with its energy savings, reduced maintenance cost, aesthetics, and ease of operation. The Algae Wheel system also uses superior materials with concrete tanks preferred over the alternative standard steel packaged plant.

• The system is more energy efficient than alternatives, offers lower maintenance costs, an enclosed working environment for staff, and a longer life expectancy with superior construction materials.
• The existing packaged plant space will be re-purposed after demolition.
• The Algae Wheel process provides an aesthetically pleasing treatment process compared to a standard steel plant.

This project was one of 22 projects recognized by ACEC of Indiana for Engineering Excellence. Additionally, of those 22, this was one of only six projects recognized for wastewater engineering.

Congratulations to Senior Project Manager Toby Church, PE, CEA!