Barrington looks to boost IEPA loan to upgrade wastewater treatment plant

As construction costs mount for the village’s upgrade to its Wastewater Treatment Facility, Barrington will ask for more funding from the state for the project.

The Barrington village board Monday passed a “borrowing ordinance,” giving the authority to increase the maximum it can borrow from the low-interest Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Loan Program to $86 million.

The village board previously passed a borrowing ordinance with a maximum of $50.5 million. To remain eligible for funding by June 30, the village must complete and submit the required loan application materials for IEPA review.

Initial estimates to upgrade the plant at 302 N. Raymond Ave. have grown from the original projection of $50 million, with Village Manager Scott Anderson citing trends in the trades.

The lowest responsible bid for the construction in May was $78 million. In addition, engineering expenses total about $7 million.

Under IEPA funding rules, applicants may not exceed the loan amount authorized in the borrowing ordinance.

“It doesn’t authorize the project to move forward. It doesn’t authorize us to accept the loan, but it gives us flexibility,” Anderson said. “We’re basically asking for money that matches what the current bid sits at.”

At this point, Anderson said, it is still a long shot for the village to qualify.

“But absent this, we don’t have any option,” he said.

Additionally, Midland Standard Engineering and Testing Inc. is being paid $173,000 to provide geotechnical engineering services.

A geotechnical engineer analyzes soil, rock and groundwater conditions.

Officials said the IEPA will not allow the project’s construction contractor or engineer to provide those services, but the costs can be covered by the IEPA loan.