Upsala water treatment plant refurbishment completed
The Upsala Water Treatment Plant refurbishment has been completed. The filter case, a ledge outside the filter tank, piping and fittings were repainted. Dehumidifiers will be installed at the facility to maintain less humid conditions.
By JENNIE ZEITLER, Staff Writer
jennie.zeitler@ecm-inc.com
The painting project on Upsala’s water treatment plant which began in December was completed Jan. 31.
The work was required due to the high amount of corrosion on parts of the plant. Short Elliott Hendrickson (SEH), the city’s engineering firm, coordinated the bidding process for recoating the treatment components of the water plant.
“This was caused by the extremely humid conditions in the water plant since the equipment was installed in 1976,” said Jeff Ledin of SEH.
Heineman Painting in Cambridge was awarded the contract last fall. Since they are not bonded, the city waived that requirement and will pay them now that the work has been completed
The filter case, a ledge outside the filter tank, and piping and fittings were repainted. “New coating work should last from 15 to 20 years without any major retouching,” said Ledin. “Otherwise, the water plant is in good physical condition,” he said.
The work was done during early winter, a time of very low humidity. The city will install dehumidifiers in the building to provide a less humid atmosphere.
“It looks really nice, and should last quite a long time because we are putting in dehumidifiers to keep the moisture level down and prevent the pipes from corroding,” said City Clerk-Treasurer Adrian Welle. “This will extend the life of the plant.”
