Modernizing Wastewater Infrastructure
Project Overview
GBA partnered with the City of Silex, Missouri, to improve key elements of the city’s wastewater infrastructure, including public lift stations, aeration lagoons and dispersion fields, while addressing inflow and infiltration (I/I) challenges. Partially funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and administered by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), this project aimed to modernize wastewater collection and treatment systems to ensure compliance with state and local standards. GBA utilized nontraditional treatment solutions to meet the unique demands of the system and the community’s needs.
Framework for Improvement
GBA’s work involved comprehensive upgrades and improvements to multiple systems, including:
- Increased Capacity: Expanding the sub-surface dispersal system and reconfiguring the pumping structure to improve wastewater management
- New Infrastructure: Installing stormwater management to improve lagoon operations
- System Upgrades: Evaluating and improving the performance of seven existing lift stations
- Lagoon Improvements: Implementing drainage upgrades at the aeration lagoon site
- I/I Rehabilitation: Reducing inflow and infiltration to prevent overloading the system and minimize treatment costs
Challenges and Solutions
The project presented several unique challenges, including meeting the strict timelines and constraints tied to ARPA funding. In addition, the scope involved multiple sub-projects, each with distinct requirements, ranging from lift station upgrades to stormwater rerouting, lagoon improvements and leach field expansion.
To overcome these challenges, GBA worked closely with MDNR to streamline the design phase, expediting reviews and approvals. The team also implemented a strategic task prioritization approach to ensure critical milestones were achieved on time, preventing delays and ensuring the project remained on schedule.
Project Location and Client Collaboration
GBA developed a strong relationship with the City of Silex, recognizing the community’s limited resources and the absence of detailed records for much of the existing wastewater infrastructure. This collaboration involved creating comprehensive system documentation, a critical reference for future operations and maintenance. GBA’s expertise in working with smaller communities allowed them to design solutions that were effective and practical for the city’s long-term needs.
Innovative Solutions and Community Impact
To meet the city’s wastewater challenges, GBA implemented several nontraditional and innovative solutions:
- Leach Field Expansion: Enlarging the footprint of leach fields to handle increased capacity
- Aeration Improvements: Installing new aerators to meet the biological treatment demands of the lagoon
- Custom Filter and Tubing Systems: Designing specialized filter houses and leach field tubing systems for optimal performance
These solutions enable the City of Silex to comply with its operating permit and establish a more reliable, sustainable wastewater infrastructure. The improvements will reduce environmental impacts, enhance operational efficiency, and minimize the risk of future compliance issues.
Next Steps
Thanks to GBA’s expertise and innovative approach, the City of Silex is well-positioned to achieve compliance with regulatory standards while benefiting from a more sustainable wastewater management system. The project has entered the construction phase, with completion anticipated in 2026. Once completed, these improvements will provide the City of Silex with a reliable, environmentally sound wastewater system that can support the community for years.