Batavia reports wastewater plant rehabilitation 96% complete, on track and under budget

Batavia — City staff told the Batavia City Council on Sept. 15 the wastewater treatment plant rehabilitation project is nearly complete and running ahead of the contractor’s schedule.

Scott Trotter, a city project representative, delivered the monthly update. He said, “the city has invested almost $43,000,000 in this project, and we are close on to completion. We have completed 96% of the work and only used 72% of the project schedule.” Trotter also reported change orders equal to 0.2% of the contract and no time extensions to date.

Why it matters: The plant handles the city’s wastewater treatment; upgrades include a new headworks facility (screening and grit removal, with odor control), four rehabilitated primary clarifiers, a new primary‑clarifier control building, upgrades to sludge handling including new chopper pumps and control panels, and a new pump station intended to replace an existing sewer and facilitate future side‑stream treatment.

Progress and schedule: Trotter said the headworks building windows are installed and the facility is ready for startup, with odor control and HVAC in place. The primary clarifiers are being tied in and will be started after headworks; the sludge handling building startup is scheduled for December and the project is expected to be completed early next spring—about four months ahead of the contractor’s original June 2026 completion date, per the contractor schedule presented.

Discussion vs. decisions: This was an informational update; no formal council action or vote was taken on the item during the meeting. Council members asked questions and expressed appreciation; Trotter said other municipalities have inquired about site visits once the plant is operational.

Operational notes: Trotter explained the new pump station will serve three purposes: plant drainage, replacement of Island Avenue sewer, and eventual side‑stream treatment to treat centrifuge concentrate prior to entering the main process. He noted certain temporary piping tie‑ins were required during phased process switching and that final punch‑list work will continue through the winter.

Background: The rehabilitation included preservation of stainless steel clarifier mechanisms where possible but replacement of components that required it; the project also included upgrades to fire protection, electrical systems and lighting. Trotter reported recent installations of chopper pumps for anaerobic digesters and the closing up of the headworks building to allow equipment startups.

Next steps: Staff will continue punch‑list work this winter, complete sludge‑handling startup in December, and expect final completion in early spring.