After a groundbreaking on July 28, the Alderson Water Plant construction progress is moving along.Thanks to an original mitigation grant for over $8 million and another $2 million in other grant funding, the project will see the replacement of the 50-year-old current plant and will move it out of the floodplain.
“We are thankful the neighbors all understand this is the loudest, roughest part of construction. Compromise has been made in start and end times to work with neighbors who have all been very supportive and understanding. Once this initial hard work is over, it will be much more quiet.
These photos show the pylons that have been driven to the most stable subsurface to secure the foundation for our new plant.
Many don’t realize this location saved millions of dollars we didn’t have. The close proximity to the old plant was a necessity due to pumps from the river and the backwash basins that will be used with this plant. Mrs. Highlander was civic minded and supported our new plant because she knew the necessity of a plant to repair our aging one.
In the past few weeks, our water treatment staff has overcome major problems due to the age of our plant. These dedicated staff members have spent around the clock hours making sure our water is available and safe. They have squeezed into the tightest places and fixed valves and problems that haven’t surfaced in the plant’s over 50 years of service.
As one of them said during a trying moment, ‘this plant will let us know she’s still in charge until we switch on the new one.’
Our water lines staff has worked countless hours on major leaks due to other issues. When you see any of our team, they are tired, sore, and really frustrated. Let them know you appreciate them, because without them, all of our lives would be much, much worse.
I lead an amazing team of overlooked heroes. I am thankful for every one of them,” Mayor Copenhaver.
