Saranac Lake Waste Water Plant

PROJECT OVERVIEW:  This comprehensive wastewater infrastructure project involved significant upgrades to the Saranac Lake Waste Water Treatment Plant. Major components included installing a new clarifier, constructing a UV disinfection building, and extensive underground utility work, all performed approximately 18 feet below the level of the Saranac River.

CLARIFIER CONSTRUCTION: The project featured the installation of a new 80-foot-diameter center-feed clarifier with 15-foot-high radiused walls and an integrated scum trough. The foundation system consisted of an 8-foot 6-inch mat slab with a precisely sloped grout top surface to ensure proper flow dynamics and sediment collection.

UV DISINFECTION FACILITY: The new UV Disinfection Building incorporated a full-cast-in-place concrete basement with a structural slab at the first-floor level. The superstructure features wood framing, shingled roof, and cement board siding. Interior finishes include specialized epoxy flooring and FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic) surfaces throughout to withstand the corrosive environment.

SITE CHALLENGES: With both structures positioned approximately 18 feet below the Saranac River level, the project required an engineered dewatering system and extensive shoring for safe excavation. This complex subsurface work extended to installation of yard piping throughout the facility grounds.

PROJECT EXECUTION: The project incorporated extensive yard piping systems including new effluent lines, waste return sludge piping, bypass systems, scum handling, house utilities, and a Parshall flume for flow measurement. When the COVID-19 pandemic disruptions prevented the procurement of the specified epoxy-lined 24-inch cast iron pipe, the team implemented an innovative slip-lining solution using cement-lined cast iron pipe to meet project specifications while maintaining the schedule.