McCarthy Building Companies Inc.’s Water Services group has been selected to be the construction manager at-risk for $215 million expansion of Sioux Falls Regional Water Reclamation Plant, Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It is the first major expansion of the plant since it was built in 1980. It will increase the facility’s output by 50% to 21 to 30 millions gallons per hour. It will also improve operational efficiency to meet the growing demand within the region and community. The facility will be ready for future regulatory requirements.
The following improvements were made to the facility at 4500 N. Sycamore Ave., Sioux Falls:
Construction of a three-story “headworks” building. This is where wastewater enters the treatment process.
Installation of new generators at existing plant. The electrical system will also be upgraded.
Three additional aeration basins are installed to treat wastewater by microbes. There are also four “final clarifiers,” large circular pools that separate treated water from solids.
An expansion of an area where chlorine is used to treat water, and the addition of storage tanks.
Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) is the collaborative project delivery method used for this project. The CMAR method is used to ensure that the price and scope of the project are set and aligned throughout the project. It also allows for earlier procurement bid packages to help reduce ongoing supply chain and cost escalation risk.
Site preparation began in fall 2021. Notice to proceed for the main project became effective on July 5, 2022. To prepare for construction, 27,000 cubic yards were moved. Work also included the placement of the first 5,000 cubic yard of the 16,000 cubic yard concrete projection, the installation of the first two miles (of eight) of the underground piping and the operation of two tower cranes. Other site preparations included temporary electrical power lines to the blower building, lime feed silos and other work.
The project is expected to be completed by 2025. Funding was provided by loans from the State Revolving Fund. This state-level program provides low-interest loans for water, wastewater and sewer projects.
Carollo Engineers, Inc., a environmental engineering firm, is one of the project partners. They specialize in the design, planning, and construction management for water and wastewater facilities for municipal or public sector clients. Henry Carlson Construction of Sioux Falls provides pre-construction and construction services.