Major sewer overhaul planned for south Wheaton

Work is poised to start on an almost $16 million project that should help address the messy problem of sewage backups in south Wheaton.

Wheaton Sanitary District this month is expected to begin its replacement of two major sewer pipes. The work, expected to cost about $12.3 million, is needed because the existing pipes that carry wastewater to the district's treatment facility along Shaffner Road have reached the end of their useful life.

"Frankly, that's the main reason (for the project)," said Steve Maney, the district's executive director, adding that one section was installed in 1926 and another was installed in 1962. "The secondary reason is that it will transport more flow as well."

Streets where new pipes will be installed include Creekside Drive, Foothill Drive, Gables Boulevard and Main Street.

Because the new pipes will be wider, they are expected to help alleviate the problem of sewage backing up into Wheaton basements and onto roads during heavy rains.

"So any problems that we had in the past with sanitary sewer backups that are directly related to the capacity of that southside interceptor will be corrected to some degree," said Paul Redman, the city's director of engineering.

Meanwhile, the district will spend another $3.4 million to improve the wastewater treatment facility. That project will reduce odors, provide greater flexibility with plant operations, replace aging equipment, and improve reliability of the electrical supply, officials said.

"When we first built this place, we were in the middle of nowhere," Maney said. "As more single-family residences have gotten closer to the plant, there's been the need to improve on odor control."

To help pay for both projects, the sanitary district has received about $16 million in federal stimulus plan money. Issued through Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, the federal funding consists of $5 million in principal forgiveness and $11 million in zero percent interest loans to be repaid over the next 20 years.

Thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding, district residents won't see their sanitary sewer utility bills climb an estimated 30 percent.

"Instead of seeing a 30 percent bill (increase) instantly, they might see a 10 or 15 percent increase two years from now," Maney said.

Both projects are expected to take less than two years to complete. Roads were new pipes are installed will be repaved.

A public information meeting about the projects is planned for 7 p.m. Thursday at city hall, 303 W. Wesley St.

The sanitary district is planning to have weekly meetings with residents along the construction route. In addition, regular updates will be posted on the district's Web site at wsd.dst.il.us

Wheaton Sanitary District treats wastewater for most of Wheaton, some unincorporated areas of DuPage County and portions of Carol Stream, Glen Ellyn and Winfield.