The project involved the removal of the existing belt press system and the installation of a new screw press system, aimed at improving efficiency in waste management. Additionally, it included the repair of the septage receiving tank’s coating system, addressing coating failures to ensure proper functionality and longevity of the tank.

The project entailed the replacement of worn-out equipment with new, upgraded models to enhance performance and reliability. The upgrade aimed to minimize downtime, improve efficiency, and ensure compliance with current operational standards. By replacing outdated components, the project optimized functionality and extended the lifespan of the overall system.

The project required careful coordination of the press replacement with the ongoing sludge hauling operations to minimize disruptions and ensure a seamless transition. This involves scheduling removal and installation activities in tandem with hauling operations, ensuring that sludge removal continues without interruption while the new press is installed.

The extent of coating failures in the septage receiving tank presented challenges, including the potential for increased corrosion, structural integrity, and contamination of the tank’s contents.

The Wrightstown Sanitary District No. 1 needed to implement a chemical feed system for phosphorus removal in order to comply with the new, stricter effluent limits mandated by the State of Wisconsin, all while adhering to the operational deadline established by the Village’s Water Pollution Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permit.

• New chemical feet building
• Two 2,500-gallon chemical storage tanks
• Chemical transfer pump
• Duplex chemical feed skid

REL effectively coordinated with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) throughout the planning, design, and installation phases of the chemical feed system aimed at phosphorus removal, ensuring compliance with the WPDES operational permit deadline.

During the Facility Plan stage of the project, a public hearing was organized to engage the community and provide a comprehensive overview of the proposed improvements, particularly the installation of a chemical feed system for phosphorus removal. The meeting aimed to outline the necessity of the project in response to stricter state effluent limits, highlighting the environmental and regulatory implications of phosphorus discharge on local water bodies. This stakeholder engagement ensured that the public was informed and invested in the project’s objectives, ultimately aiding in its support and successful implementation.

The Village of Whitelaw required a chemical feed system for phosphorus removal to meet stricter effluent limits from the State of Wisconsin before the operational deadline set by the Village’s WPDES permit.

• New chemical feet building
• Two 2,500-gallon chemical storage tanks
• Chemical transfer pump
• Duplex chemical feed skid

REL effectively coordinated with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) throughout the planning, design, and installation phases of the chemical feed system aimed at phosphorus removal, ensuring compliance with the Water Pollution Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) operational permit deadline.

During the Facility Plan stage of the project, a public hearing was organized to engage the community and provide a comprehensive overview of the proposed improvements, particularly the installation of a chemical feed system for phosphorus removal. The meeting aimed to outline the necessity of the project in response to stricter state effluent limits, highlighting the environmental and regulatory implications of phosphorus discharge on local water bodies. This stakeholder engagement ensured that the public was informed and invested in the project’s objectives, ultimately aiding in its support and successful implementation.

The Village of Sister Bay retained Robert E. Lee & Associates to prepare a facility plan, drawings, and specifications for significant modifications to the WWTP.

• A significant addition to the garage was completed
• Additional offices and a conference room were added to the Service Building
• RAS/WAS pump replacement
• NPW system upgrades
• Replacement of the orbal drives and motors
• Thickened sludge pump replacement
• Final clarifier rebuilds
• Added a dual pod fine bubble aeration to a sludge storage tank
• Sludge thickening equipment replacement and upgrades
• Upgrade disinfection system from chlorination/dechlorination to UV
• Additional parking stalls added to the WWTP
• Complete site asphalt replacement
• Conversion of the a phone-based SCADA system to a radio-based SCADA system.

The City of Waupaca retained Robert E. Lee & Associates to prepare plans and specifications for the modifications to the existing anaerobic digester at the City of Waupaca wastewater treatment plant. The project included removal, re-coating, and reinstallation of the floating digester cover, the addition of sludge recirculation pumps, the addition of fixed, mounted mixing nozzles, and replacement of sludge piping.

The Village of Hilbert retained Robert E. Lee & Associates to prepare plans and specifications for modifications to the existing wastewater treatment plant. The project included a dissolved air flotation unit to address the buildup of large clumps of fats, oils, and grease throughout the WWTP process. A new Dewatering Building was constructed to house the relocated sludge belt press. The existing incline screen was relocated to the new septage receiving tank and a new vertical screen was added before the RAW pumps. The RAW pumps, RAS/WAS pumps, orbal aeration motors and drives, and a majority of the electrical was replaced and upgraded with the project. A submersible mixer was added to the inner channel of the orbal in place of disc aerators to assist with the bio-P removal process. The final clarifier was taken out of service to repaint and replace the drive. A new 50,000-gallon septage receiving tank with coarse bubble aeration was constructed to replace the aging septage receiving tank, with no aeration and limited capacity. SCADA system was modified for the new equipment and process controls. The entire site was relandscaped to alter the storm water drainage. The deteriorated metal lab cabinets and counter tops were replaced with wood cabinets and epoxy resin counter tops. REL provided full-time construction observation during underground work and part-time construction observation for the remainder of the construction work. Wetlands were identified during the planning process and protected throughout the construction process. The project was the first major upgrade project at the WWTP since the last upgrade in 1996.

R2E2, or Resource Recovery and Electrical Energy Project, consisted of a new solids handling facility including anaerobic digesters, electrical generation and nutrient recovery. REL designed the site utilities, site work, and artificial wetland storm water pond. Construction Services was provided for all phases of the project.