Fargo Regional Water Reclamation Facility Adapts to increasing demands

In Fargo, North Dakota, a local water reclamation facility saw an increase in demand that led to a major three-year overhaul.

The Fargo Regional Water Reclamation Facility’s processing power was subsequently boosted to more than 50 MGD at a cost of $124 million.

“The expansion was driven by population growth, aging infrastructure and Fargo’s commitment to sustainability, helping improve wastewater treatment for the growing community,” Superintendent for Fargo Regional Water Reclamation Facility Mark Miller said.

The project not only upgraded existing infrastructure, but also integrated new facilities. New and existing facilities saw extensive structural work involving significant concrete construction. This included the addition of a large Integrated fixed-film activated sludge (IFAS) building.

The project also featured large-scale excavations and extensive piping to support an expanded headworks facility along with the installation of non-slip resinous flooring to enhance workplace safety.

The project saw the need to coat various surfaces all around the facility including concrete structures, piping, equipment, walls and floors. The process was complex and required coordination with the general contractor to manage multiple trades and tight schedules while minimizing disruptions to services and work.

“Coating challenges on the Fargo project were managed by switching to new products, from Sherwin-Williams Protective and Marine, and collaborating closely across teams,” Miller said. “This approach has produced durable surface protection for new and rehabbed facilities and kept the project on schedule.”

For external surfaces exposed to UV light, durable coatings were used to ensure long-lasting performance as well as aesthetic enhancement. Anti-graffiti coatings were applied to protect publicly accessible areas as well.

The project faced some challenges including coordinating multiple trades to work in harmony. This required precise planning to avoid delays in the face of tight schedules, which were crucial to minimize disruptions to plant operations.

“We kept everyone on the same page with regular check-ins, scheduling tools, progress tracking and supplier support,” Miller said. “That way we could adapt quickly and avoid disruptions.”

Applying the coatings to an array of surfaces posed problems. Different application techniques were required across the concrete structures, piping, equipment, walls and floors. Some required spraying while others required hand-rolling. Proper surface preparation was essential for adhesion and successful application. Applying coatings in confined spaces and on smaller structures like manholes demanded additional effort to ensure thorough coverage.

The durable exterior coatings also posed a challenge of sourcing the correct coating for UV protection while maintaining aesthetic appeal.

Sourcing coatings that ensured protection against environmental and chemical exposures required careful selection as well.

The project was completed in late Spring of 2024. Upon completion the plant saw a significant enhancement to the plant’s capacity and operational resilience.

By rallying the teams together with effective coordination while utilizing optimal product selection, Fargo hopes that the project will set new standards for infrastructure improvements in the region.

The facility saw an increase in average daily flow of 14 MGD to 29 MGD, with peak flow increasing 24 MGD to a 50 MGD.