Rochester Launches Largest Infrastructure Project in Decades

Rochester Launches Largest Infrastructure Project in Decades

Ground has broken on a $91–100 million Water Reclamation Plant upgrade, the city’s largest infrastructure project in decades.
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Located just northeast of downtown, the plant quietly processes millions of gallons of wastewater each day. Now, it’s undergoing a massive upgrade to comply with stricter state phosphorus limits, cut chemical usage, and boost energy efficiency without disrupting day-to-day operations.

Meeting Modern Environmental Demands

At the heart of the project is a shift from the aging high-purity oxygen system to a more sustainable anaerobic/oxic biological phosphorus removal system. This change will allow the plant to remove phosphorus biologically, reducing reliance on chemicals and helping prevent harmful algae blooms downstream.

The improvements also include significant solids handling upgrades, making the entire process cleaner and more cost-effective. While the treatment capacity roughly 16 million gallons per day remains unchanged, the revamped system is designed to serve the city’s needs through at least 2045.

Funding a Cleaner Future

The expansion is supported by a complex mix of state, federal, and local funding. The Minnesota Public Facilities Authority approved a $72 million low-interest loan, complemented by a $7 million Point Source Implementation Grant and $1 million in loan forgiveness. An additional $1 million in federal funds is earmarked for disinfection system improvements. Locally, modest sewer rate increases (about 1% annually) and reserve funds will cover the remainder.

Financial and Environmental Benefits

When complete, the city expects to save $230,000 per year in energy costs and another $170,000 annually in reduced chemical usage. But the benefits extend beyond the balance sheet. These upgrades position Rochester for future environmental regulations, including potential nitrogen removal requirements, and enhance the plant’s overall resilience and reliability.

Project Timeline

  • Design Start: Early 2023

  • Final Approval: August 2024

  • Groundbreaking: August 23, 2024

  • Estimated Completion: December 2026

Construction is carefully staged to ensure the facility remains operational throughout.

A Vital Investment in Rochester’s Future

As cities across the nation face rising environmental standards and aging infrastructure, Rochester is leading by example. This expansion ensures the city can continue to treat wastewater safely, sustainably, and efficiently now and for decades to come.

Whether you're a ratepayer, an environmental advocate, or simply a resident who cares about Rochester’s long-term future, this project is a reminder that some of the most important progress happens underground and out of sight but never out of mind.

Ground Break Ceromony Photos from August 23, 2024

Media Contacts

Matt Baker, P.E., Project Manager

 mabaker@rochestermn.gov   

(507)328-2652

This article was made with assistance from AI

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