The journey of the Owatonna Wastewater Treatment Facility's (WWTF) upgrade and expansion has reached a significant milestone. As the third year of the project unfolds, key updates bring us closer to understanding the full scope of its impact on our city's infrastructure.

At the heart of current developments is the replacement of the aging northeast retaining wall with a state-of-the-art Reinforced Soil Slope (RSS) wall. This change is driven by the need to accommodate the new design grade of the site. The RSS wall offers a cost-effective solution while minimizing disturbance to existing utilities. Construction is slated to start on July 7th, resulting in the North Straight River Trail closure for up to two months, a brief inconvenience for long-term stability.

Meanwhile, the WWTF expansion marked its third-year anniversary with noteworthy progress. Steering through challenges like the delay in receiving essential electrical gear, including Motor Control Centers, the project timeline has been extended by 210 days. Despite setbacks, the expansion remains on track for substantial completion by October 27, 2025, and final completion by January 26, 2026.

The past three years of construction have seen immense progress, from erecting new buildings like the Membrane Bioreactor and Fine Screen Buildings to upgrading primary clarifiers and aeration basins. Current work focuses on solids treatment, crucial for the facility's nearly doubled capacity designed to meet Owatonna’s growth over the next quarter-century.

With construction 94% complete, the WWTF project stands as a testament to the city’s foresight in anticipating and planning for future community needs. For more detailed information on each facility's role and the project's progression, residents are encouraged to visit the dedicated Wastewater Treatment Facility Expansion webpage.