The City of Willmar, Minnesota, recently reached a major milestone on its $86.2 million Wastewater Treatment Project. The installation of 29,145 feet of interceptor sewer line was completed in December 2009, eight months ahead of the projected schedule. The interceptor line, which will carry municipal wastewater by gravity from a collection point at the old wastewater treatment plant to the new wastewater treatment plant being built west of the City, runs approximately 5½ miles.

The interceptor construction project, which was awarded in August 2008, was divided by the City of Willmar into two smaller projects in order to encourage more competitive bidding. S.R. Weidema of Maple Grove, Minnesota, was awarded the contract for both projects. Because Weidema had the contract for both projects, a crew was able to begin work on the eastern end of the project while also beginning work at the western end of the project. The crews made the final connection at the intersection of the two projects on December 15, 2009.

The forcemain portion of the project, designed to carry industrial wastewater, is being constructed by Voss Plumbing and Heating of Paynesville. This project is also nearing completion and will likely finish ahead of the projected schedule. Two forcemain pump stations are being constructed, and interior work is underway on those structures. Di-Mar Construction is the general contractor for the pump stations.

Approximately 80-100 percent of the structural work is completed on the 20 structures at the site of the new wastewater treatment facility. Between 50 and 60 workers are on site daily installing electrical, plumbing, piping and treatment equipment. Graham Construction Services, Inc. of Eagan is the general contractor for the new plant which is scheduled to begin operation in October 2010.

Donohue & Associates, Inc. is currently providing construction-related and program management services for the City and has been providing program management, planning and design services for the project since 2005.

To view additional pictures and construction progress, visit the City of Willmar’s website at www. ci.willmar.mn.us.