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In this article you'll learn about the water and sewage project in La Pine (Oregon) and how it turned a public health and environmental problem into a concrete solution. The work replaced septic tanks for a central sewage system and modernized the water supply, connecting hundreds of properties to the municipal system. A reservoir and a effluent lagoon, as well as transmission and collection networks. Cultural artifacts emerged during construction, but the team kept up the pace without stopping the work. The project received the Award of Merit of Engineering News-Record (ENR). Below, scope, challenges and impact on the community.
- Replaced cesspits with municipal water and sewage systems
- Improved public health and reduced nitrate pollution
- Installed effluent pond and 500,000-gallon reservoir
- Team dealt with archaeological finds without delaying work
- Award-winning project with funding and inter-agency collaboration
La Pine water and sewage project receives ENR award
The water and sewage from the town of La Pine was recognized with a Award of Merit in the Water/Environment category by Engineering News-Record (ENR). The work replaced septic tanks with a centralized system and updated the city's drinking water network. This kind of recognition has parallels with other projects awarded for innovation and safety which seek to improve water quality and local infrastructure.
Executive summary
- Project value: US$ 37.1 million
- Connected properties: almost 300
- Prize: ENR Award of Merit, Water/Environment category
- Main people responsible: La Pine Town Hall (owner); Taylor Northwest (general contractor); Anderson Perry & Associates (civil project); Electro Tech Engineering (MEP engineering)
Context and need
For decades, residents have relied on septic tanks. Studies have found high levels of nitrate in residential wells; infiltration fields near shallow wells contributed to contamination. The project aimed to reduce risks to public health and the environment, an objective in line with initiatives that demonstrate how investments in sanitation generate safer water and health benefits in award-winning projects.
Main works carried out
- Wastewater treatment plant: building a lagoon of 20 acres, irrigation pumping station and two center pivots to irrigate 100 acres each. The integration of the lagoon with irrigation uses is reminiscent of reusing water that increase water efficiency.
- Water tank: welded steel tank with 500,000 gallons and improvements to the wells.
- Distribution and collection networks: installation of tens of thousands of meters of networks and infrastructure in two neighborhoods, as well as hydrants and meters.
Challenges faced and responses
- Budget compromised: construction bids came in above estimates. A Taylor Northwest maintained its offer while USDA analyzed requests for additional funding; this scenario illustrates the federal funding challenges that water projects can face.
- Archaeological finds: artifacts appeared in excavations; teams diverted activities to other fronts while items were recovered, maintaining the schedule. The approach adopted followed good environmental impact assessment and management of findings during construction work.
- Flat topography: required careful leveling to avoid future operational problems; preventive maintenance and drainage techniques are essential in this type of terrain, as discussed in guides to drainage system maintenance.
Funding and collaboration
- Financed by a combination of loans and grants.
- Agencies involved: USDA Rural Development, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Business Oregon.
- Local authorities highlighted the support of federal legislators in the release of funds. Regulatory policies and revisions, such as those proposed by the environmental agency, directly influence the execution and operation of wastewater systems (regulatory updates).
Impact on the community
The community now has safer water and less risk of nitrate contamination. The infrastructure removes barriers to new ventures and favors local economic development, as well as representing practices that are in line with the sustainability in civil engineering by reducing environmental externalities and promoting the efficient use of resources.
Quick facts about the project
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Total cost | US$ 37.1 million |
| Connected properties | ~300 |
| Tank capacity | 500,000 gallons |
| Lagoon area | 20 acres |
| Irrigation pivots | 2 x 100 acres |
| Approximate length of water networks | 110,000 linear feet |
| Approximate length of sewage systems | 100,000 linear feet |
| Hydrants installed | 126 |
| Water meters installed | 289 |
Conclusion
The investment of US$ 37.1 million connected almost 300 properties, created a 500,000-gallon reservoir and a 20-acre lagoon, and yielded the Award of Merit (ENR). Despite challenges - archaeological finds, topography and funding adjustments - the contractor and partners kept to schedule, protected the heritage and delivered. The result: more health security, less risk from nitrates and open ground for economic development - a watershed for La Pine.
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Adalberto Mendes, a name that resonates with the solidity of concrete and the precision of structural calculations, personifies the union between engineering theory and practice. A dedicated teacher and owner of a successful construction company, his career is marked by a passion that blossomed in childhood, fueled by the dream of erecting buildings that would shape the horizon. This early fascination led him down the path of engineering, culminating in a career where the classroom and the construction site complement each other, reflecting his commitment both to training new professionals and to bringing ambitious projects to fruition.