BELLEVILLE, IL, July 29, 2015 -- Illinois American Water's (IAW) Interurban District, which serves the communities of East St. Louis, Granite City, Belleville, and surrounding areas, has announced an approximately $12-million investment at the East St. Louis Water Treatment Plant. IAW has contracted Sachs Electric out of Granite City, who has committed to diverse participation on this project.
The investment, which kicked off earlier this year and will continue into 2016, will enhance reliability and operational efficiencies. The intake water main, which totals about nine miles and was originally installed in 1925, underwent needed improvements to replace damaged pipe segments. Also, new control valves and a control vault were installed to ensure reliability and enhance maintenance access.
This summer, additional work will begin to update the water treatment plant's electrical service and water pre-treatment equipment. According to Grant Evitts, senior manager of Production and Field Services for IAW's Southern Division, current electrical and water treatment equipment are reaching the end of their lifespan.
The project includes a new 2.25-megawatt generator and power distribution switchgear. Further, critical electrical and SCADA monitoring systems will be upgraded for the new equipment. Overhead electrical lines distributing power to remote parts of the plant will also be replaced with underground lines. In addition, design of a new system to improve overall treatment efficiency is currently underway for a 2016 construction.
According to Evitts, the new system will save on maintenance and reduce chemical usage at the plant. "When the project is completed, our operational efficiencies will not only be improved, but so will our environmental footprint," he said.
See also:
"American Water announces three major executive position changes"
"Historic water treatment plant in Illinois begins expansion project"
About American Water
Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs approximately 6,400 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 47 states and Ontario, Canada. For more information, visit www.amwater.com.
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