Logansport Utilities provides updates on wastewater treatment plant headworks improvements project

After more than 60 years of operation, the current headworks structure in Logansport will soon be replaced by a newer facility in the upcoming years. At a preliminary engineering report meeting Tuesday, March 26 ahead of the Utility Service Board meeting, the public was invited to ask questions and listen to updates regarding the current project.

The project, with an estimated $17 million construction cost, aims to replace the wastewater treatment plant headworks. Funding for the headworks project is being sought through the Indiana Finance Authority with the State Revolving Fund loan program, according to information provided at the meeting.

Director of Marketing and Communications with Logansport Utilities Lorri Foster said the project is already in the works and has had funds and budgets approved since 2022.

As the current headworks structure was built in 1958, Foster said it has exceeded its useful life and is showing significant signs of wear. Problems include an antiquated pressure control system, concrete structures that have reached useful life or require extensive rehabilitation and motor control centers with obsolete and energy inefficient motor control centers, among other issues, according to information provided by Logansport Utilities.

The new headworks replacement plant will feature influent structure rehabilitation, a septage receiving station, mechanical chain and rake bar screens, shaftless screw conveyors, a grit removal system, a grit washer and submersible influent pumps, Logansport Utilities said. Additional project components include non-potable water system upgrades, concrete structure improvements and motor control center upgrades.

These upgrades to the headworks facilities will efficiently manage the increase of capacity and provide more reliable screening and grit removal to protect other downstream equipment, Foster said. The upgrade to the headworks project is also in conjunction with the ongoing state-mandated Long-Term Control plan with Combined Sewer Overflow projects. These add more water processing and treatment demand to already aging wastewater treatment infrastructure, she said.

Previously, Kokosing Industrial planned to collaborate with Logansport Utilities’ hired engineering company, the Lochmueller Group, on the project. However, at the Utility Board meeting that followed the public hearing, CEO and superintendent of Logansport Utilities Greg Toth announced the partnership with Kokosing Industrial was cancelled 60% into the design phase due to disagreements in price and design aspects. They are going to open the bid and are looking into other sources of financing.

“We’re trying to build something here that has to last at least 60 years, and we are not going to compromise and start negotiating with our money when we want it built and designed the way it was so we can have something for the city and the people of Logansport for at least 60 years.”

According to a schedule provided by Logansport Utilities at the meeting, bids will open in September and construction will begin in November. Substantial completion is slated for January of 2027.

Copies of the Preliminary Engineering Reports are available at the Logansport Utilities office from March 14 to April 2. Written questions are to be directed to 601 E. Broadway in room 101.