The Eastside Sanitary Sewer System Project is in response to the Sanitary Sewer Collection System Facility Plan completed for the City of Sioux Falls in 2002. The Facility Plan addressed the entire sanitary sewer collection system and identified areas for renovation and possible growth.
Problem the Project Addresses
Along the east side of the city, a ridgeline determines the current sanitary sewer periphery. Sewer pipe past this ridgeline is unable to flow via gravity to the Sioux Falls Water Reclamation Plant (WRP). This natural ridgeline separates the Big Sioux River Valley and the City of Sioux Falls. Any sewer pipe installed east of the ridgeline needs to be connected to a pump station and force main that will pump the wastewater up the ridge to the WRP for treatment.
Why is the Project Necessary
Over the past two decades, Sioux Falls has experienced consistent growth, with an average annual population growth rate of over 2% per year. This population growth has required continual expansion of the community on all sides. The preliminary Project Area for the Eastside Sanitary Sewer System includes 23,256 acres adjacent to Sioux Falls city limits. Consequently, the decisions reached during the Eastside Sanitary Sewer System are likely to impact many people outside of the City of Sioux Falls. This project will examine and determine the most appropriate alternative to serve the collection needs of the city’s future growth east of the city.
Benefits of the Project
The City of Sioux Falls has planned for considerable growth in the future. In order to provide sewer collection east of the ridge for this planned growth, a force main and pumping station(s) are necessary. The sewer system will collect flows from proposed gravity sewer pipe east of the ridgeline, and pump the sewage via force main to the Sioux Falls Water Reclamation Plant. Sewer service in this area would open approximately 23,256 acres of potential development to Sioux Falls.
Conclusion
The Eastside Sanitary Sewer System (ESSS) project is being prepared by HDR Engineering at the direction of the City of Sioux Falls. The project will evaluate the benefits and impacts of several alternatives and will identify a preferred force main, lift station, and gravity sewer locations for future growth.
