Waukesha Freeman
Apr 24, 2018
Cara Spoto
Waukesha — The city of Waukesha’s $41.5 million Clean Water Plant project has been honored by the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Public Works Association with a Project of the Year award. The award will be formally presented to the city at a ceremony on May 3 at the APWA’s statewide conference in Green Bay.
According to a press release issued by the city, the Public Works Project of the Year Award recognizes the strong alliance between the managing agency or city, the consultant/architect/engineer, and the contractor to effectively complete a public works project.
Planning for the project began in 2010. Construction began in February 2014 and was completed last year.
Among the notable aspects of the project is the new eggshaped digester, which processes the plant’s biosolids. The project also included a centrifuge for dewatering, as well as modernized laboratory space, bio-retention basins for stormwater, and exterior building repairs.
Since parts of the plant were repurposed and reused as part of the new, innovative concept, outstanding project management was critical. At the request of Public Works Director Dr. Fred Abadi, one of the primary design engineers was utilized as a resident engineer on site, streamlining communications in the field during construction. The effort, which created a “communication alliance” between the city, engineering firm Strand Associates, Inc., and contractor CD Smith, kept the project on track and under budget, and is credited with helping the project win recognition from APWA.
“Waukesha’s Clean Water Plant project is undoubtedly a success story in our infrastructure history,” Abadi said of the project. “The technology and treatment processes designed by Strand will serve the needs of our community well into the future, while continuing to provide high quality wastewater treatment and protection for the environment.”