WLSSD Continues Pursuit of $17.5 Million in State Bonding Funds to Make Urgent Repairs
WLSSD Continues Pursuit of $17.5 Million in State Bonding Funds to Make Urgent Repairs
DULUTH, MN—Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (WLSSD) continues to deal with the aftermath of a critical failure in its Secondary Clarifier #2 in October of 2022. This clarifier remains inoperable pending a mid to late summer delivery of replacement of the new center well pipe. In the interim, WLSSD completed an inspection of the remaining three clarifiers and found similar structural corrosion. To prevent immediate failure, WLSSD completed temporary repairs on these sections.
“It was sobering to see the degraded condition of the clarifiers during our inspections. We are pleased with the temporary repairs that have been made, but permanent structural and mechanical repairs are critical. WLSSD is seeking $17.5 million in state bonding funds to facilitate the completion of this project in a timely manner. The support we have received from our local legislators in this process is greatly appreciated.” – Marianne Bohren, Executive Director, WLSSD.
Each Secondary clarifier tank holds 2.1 million gallons of wastewater and spans 160’ in diameter. The clarifiers allow wastewater solids to settle out and be removed from clean water in the treatment process. If the clarifiers fail to remove solids, there is an impending risk to public health and pollution of the St. Louis River and Lake Superior.
WLSSD is in urgent need of support to fund the $35 million cost of the structural and mechanical renovation of all four secondary clarifiers, $17.5 million of which is being requested through state bonding efforts.
Western Lake Superior Sanitary District provides wastewater and solid waste services to residents, businesses and industries within its 530 square mile legislative boundaries in Southern St. Louis and northern Carlton counties, and is a nationally recognized leader in pollution prevention.
To learn more about the project, please enjoy the following video clip: