WLSSD is committed to providing effective, reliable services to the communities and industries we serve. Capital improvements are made to better meet the needs of our wastewater and solid waste customers; and investments are paced in a manner that helps to stabilize rates.
Long-term capital planning for WLSSD’s large regional wastewater system is based on ongoing condition assessments and strategic plans to ensure that the timing of investments is aligned with WLSSD’s needs and goals. Improvements for the WLSSD’s solid waste facilities are aimed at meeting the needs of the region’s solid waste customers and reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills.
Wastewater capital investments are paid with current revenues and low-interest loans made possible through the U.S. EPA Clean Water State Revolving Fund which is administered by Minnesota’s Public Facilities Authority. Solid Waste capital investments are paid with current revenues and through loans to finance infrequent large infrastructure projects.
Current Infrastructure Project Highlights (2022 Projects)
Carlton Pump Station Replacement
Bristol Street Pump Station Rehabilitation
WLSSD Secondary Clarifier Rehabilitation Project
Odorous Air Improvements in WLSSD Treatment Plant
Forcemain (pipe) Rehabilitation in Western Portion of System
Biogas: Harnessing Energy from Wastewater
In 2022, WLSSD will install generators to produce electricity from the methane-rich “biogas” created during the wastewater treatment process. WLSSD will use the electricity and recovered heat to provide energy to its regional wastewater treatment plant–helping WLSSD to control costs and increase the resiliency of wastewater treatment operations. This project will allow WLSSD to produce about half the electricity needed to power the entire regional wastewater treatment plant.
Funding for these projects is provided through a grant approved by the Minnesota Legislature and included in the State’s 2020 Capital Investment (bonding), and loans from Minnesota’s Public Facilities Authority, made possible through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). CWSRF funds are provided through federal legislation, and passed on to states by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.