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Wausau utility staff report penta cleanup work, multiple wastewater projects underway
Summary
City staff told the Water Works Commission that chemical grouting and coordination with a property cleanup removed detectable penta from a sanitary sewer line; members also received updates on the Washington Street siphon, Headworks screening and Cherry Street lift station projects.
The City of Wausau Water Works Commission heard an operations update Tuesday that included a summary of penta cleanup work in a sanitary sewer line and status reports on multiple wastewater projects.
Director Lindman told commissioners the Sewer Penta study and repairs addressed groundwater inflow through pipe joints. "We did some chemical grouting on those. We retested that downstream manhole and that came back non detect," Lindman said, adding that lab detection limits varied by test and the lab provided an explanation to staff.
Lindman said part of the issue relates to the Waleco property on Thomas Street, where the property owner is extracting groundwater, running it through a treatment system and discharging the treated water to the city's sanitary system after removing penta. Staff confirmed penta levels are monitored under the plant's discharge permit on a monthly basis.
On capital work, staff reported the Washington Street siphon replacement is online with only punch-list items remaining; a retaining wall at that site will be reconstructed in coming weeks. The commission was told the Washington Street siphon work is funded in part by the city's tax increment district (TID). The Headworks screening project and the Cherry Street lift station project are both active and expected to continue through fall into next year.
Staff also noted that tours of the drinking water and wastewater facilities were held recently for commission members and council representatives. "So I think those were good days," Lindman said. Commissioners were invited to raise any follow-up questions after reviewing materials provided with the meeting packet.
Less-critical operational notes in the staff report included ongoing punch-list work at the siphon site and planned retaining-wall reconstruction. No formal action was required from the commission on these updates during the meeting.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions; staff indicated they would provide additional information as requested.
Looking ahead, staff will continue project management of the Washington Street siphon, Cherry Street lift station and Headworks screening projects into the coming months.
