Gooding WWTP Improvements

This $16 million, Design-Bid-Build project consists of multiple WWTP improvements. Due to the population growth, the City was in desperate need of a WWTP Upgrade. The WWTP will be able to flow at 1MGD per day. The project consists of, but not limited to rehabilitation of existing headworks building including installation of new roof, windows, doors, equipment, and hardware, removal of interior walls, infill of existing wall penetrations, and partial removal and replacement of the slab on grade. Rehabilitation of the Mechanical Building and Sludge Pump Room included infill of a 10’ x 8’ x 12’ vault and a new slab on grade and equipment pads, removal of existing and installation of equipment: new aspirating pump, progressive cavity pump, polymer system, cake press and hardware, a new solids handling waste collection area.  Additional scope of work includes installation of new screen, new lift station, new process basin with SBR basins and post-equalization basin, new process building with sand filters and UV system, removal of the existing influent pipeline and installation of a larger influent pipeline and additional manholes and a dump station, and associated site work.

A recurring challenge our crews currently face, was the extreme weather conditions in Idaho. The Owner has allotted some weather days, but some days our crews work in single digit weather. GSE poured concrete in less-than-ideal weather conditions. Due to a well-developed cold weather placement plan GSE was able to properly pour concrete while using Bluetooth HCS TI Concrete Sensors to monitor internal concrete temperatures, insulated concrete blankets, and ground heaters to make sure the concrete was at a healthy temperature. So far there has been no issues with the concrete pours and it needing to be replaced due to it freezing.

Additionally, GSE had to rock blast and remove over 3000 yards of basalt rock. GSE went to the surrounding neighbor’s to give them a heads up about the sound and potential vibrations that might be felt and heard and made people aware of when the work was going to be done, and how long it would take. Due to the great communication prior, there were no complaints when this work was being done.  Seismic monitors were installed to ensure that existing buildings at the plant were not damaged.  GSE has built a great working relationship with the Owner, Engineer, and subcontractors and completed a successful project.  This project only had two Change Orders, both for a credit back to the Owner.