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Wausau utility sets lead service-line loan timeline, plans HeadWorks and siphon projects; locates strain staff
Summary
Director told the commission May 6 that the DNR loan closing for lead service-line funding is scheduled for June, with a May 27 target to present the financial assistance agreement; the utility also detailed planned sewer and plant projects and raised concerns about rising demand and costs for utility locates.
WAUSAU, Wis. — At its May 6 meeting the Wausau Waterworks Commission heard updates on a DNR loan timeline for the lead service-line replacement program, planned sewer and treatment-plant projects and growing staff workload from utility locates tied to broadband and construction activity.
Eric, the utility director, said staff have a DNR loan closing date for lead service-line funding set for June and are targeting May 27 to bring the required financial assistance agreement to the council. He said staff hope to secure DNR financing without presenting both applications on the same night; staff plan to seek the financials at the May 13 finance meeting if possible.
Regulatory uncertainty at the federal level was also discussed. Staff noted two major topics in recent EPA communications included PFAS regulation and potential extensions to enforcement dates for the Lead and Copper Rule; the American Water Works Association had sent comments to EPA. Staff said they had not yet seen major changes at the state DNR and are monitoring federal developments.
Project updates provided to the commission included a planned replacement of the Washington Street siphon (a sewer conveyance under the river in front of the chamber) and sewer service to the Clark Island Building (formerly served by a holding tank). The planned work also includes reconstruction of a failing retaining wall near the river that contains stormwater outfalls. The design consultant, Joe from Becker Hoppe, said the expectation is one traffic lane will remain open during construction with sidewalk detours and occasional short-duration equipment closures.
Staff also briefed the commission on a major HeadWorks screening and building renovation project at the wastewater plant that will replace screening equipment and improve debris handling. The contractor’s schedule gives an October 2026 completion date.
Commissioners and staff spent a substantial portion of the meeting on utility locates. Staff said locate workload is rising because nearly three dozen boring/contractor companies are active on projects (including broadband/fiber installs) and that locates are called in individually. Staff estimated the utility currently assigns three to four employees full time to locate work during the busy season. The commission discussed prior estimates that contracting locates would cost about $150,000 per year for roughly 7,000 locates; staff estimated the in-house cost for locate work could be “a few hundred thousand dollars” annually and said they would prepare a detailed estimate.
Commissioners asked for a clearer budget accounting of locate-related expenses. Staff confirmed payments or reimbursements tied to locates were not being received from digging contractors; the utility also pays for 811 locate transmissions and other administrative costs.
