Monticello Water Improvement Project,
Monticello, Ind.

Development Team
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Bowen Engineering Corp., Fishers, Ind.
DESIGN: Commonwealth Engineers Inc., Indianapolis
EXCAVATING: Atlas Excavating Inc., West Lafayette, Ind.

Four significant challenges were encountered during the construction of a 4.3-million-gal.-per-day water plant.

Space was limited because the 1.8-acre site is bordered by the Tippecanoe River on the east, US Highway 26 on the south, a residential area on the west and Marion Street on the north. A vacant area was used to site the new treatment building.

Another challenge emerged during the construction of the water main that feeds treated water from the new plant to an elevated storage tank. A petroleum odor emanated from the trench and excavated material. A probe for total petroleum hydrocarbons determined that spills from above ground storage tanks on adjacent property were the source.

After consulting with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, the decision was made to continue construction as long as petroleum-resistant couplings were used on the ductile iron pipe and toroidal clay ring barriers and until the excavation was beyond the contaminated area.

After a significant rain during construction, the city addressed a site drainage problem that had plagued the existing plant. Marion Street has a 25 percent to 30 percent downward gradient toward the plant. Because the new treatment plant is situated next to the street, the drainage of surface water became a major dilemma.

A beehive inlet with a 24-in.-dia. storm sewer was installed to catch most of the surface water. The entrance was regraded to direct remaining surface water away from the plant entrance. The building was raised 4 ft., and a retaining wall was added.

Providing security represented a challenge. An alarm system that requires codes was installed.

The jury said, "There's a lot that goes into a water plant - on the inside. The mechanical requirements were incredible, and the solutions well executed."

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