Capital Improvement Projects

The Fishers Wastewater Utility has managed an intensive capital improvement program over the last 4 years to address an aging wastewater conveyance and treatment system, expand capacity and meet new regulatory requirements.  Funding for the various capital improvement projects has been provided by two $12.5 M sewer bond issuances, $5.5 M in Guaranteed Savings Agreements, and cash-flow generated by the 2016 sewer user fee increase.  With the anticipated completion of projects in 2022, the Wastewater Utility will be able to serve the needs of the City of Fishers for the population and build out envisioned in the City 2040 Comprehensive Plan.  Key capital improvement projects are described below:

106th Street Force Main

106th Street corridor is a primary conveyance route for wastewater flows generated from the far eastern areas of the combined City of Fishers and Hamilton Southeastern Utilities districts to the Cheeney Creek WWTP for treatment.  The project consisted of the construction of a new 3-mile long, 30-inch/36-inch diameter force main from the west side of 106th Street and I-69 Interchange to the Cheeney Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP).   In addition to providing needed conveyance capacity the project significantly reduced pumping costs at the Allisonville Road and Hague Road lift stations.  The new force main came online in December 2019.  The project design was provided by VS Engineering.  Construction services were provided by Lykins, Inc.  Design and construction costs totaled $12 Million.

Cheeney Creek WWTP Primary Clarification, Phosphorus Treatment and Aeration Expansion to 10 MGD

The city of Fishers and Wastewater Utility planning studies forecast the need to increase hydraulic and treatment capacity at the Cheeney Creek WWTP.  Based on the Industry’s average ‘planning to completion’ timeline of three years, design work started in 2017.  The project consisted of the addition of a fifth Primary Clarifier for increased removal of organics, chemical and biological phosphorus removal, aeration tank process modifications, and hydraulic capacity increase to an average daily flow of 10 Million Gallons per Day (MGD).  Trials for the new process and equipment started in late 2020.  The project design was provided by Donohue & Associates.  Construction services were provided by Bowen Engineering Corporation.  Design and construction costs totaled $9.1 Million.

Dewatering Facilities Expansion to 10 MGD

This project replaced one of the two existing belt filter presses with a second centrifuge.  The first centrifuge was installed in 2015, replacing an obsolete gravity belt thickener.  The project also included the replacement of the existing sludge transfer pumps along with Solids Processing Building renovations.  With the completion of the project in 2021, the Cheeney Creek WWTP has a dewatering capacity to match the 10 MGD expanded liquid treatment capacity.  The project design was provided by Butler, Fairman & Seufert, Inc.  Construction services were provided by Bowen Engineering Corporation. Design and construction costs totaled $3.0 Million.

Lantern Road Interceptor Sewer

Following a wastewater conveyance capacity study performed by Clark Dietz, Inc. and planned redevelopment of City Center, a decision was made to re-direct wastewater flows south to the 106th Street corridor.  The project consisted of the installation of 2,800 feet of 18-inch diameter gravity interceptor sewer on Lantern Road between South Street and Fishers Point.  At Fishers Point the 18-inch diameter sewer was connected into an existing 27-inch diameter sewer flowing to 106th Street, then to the Cheeney Creek WWTP.  The project design was provided by Butler, Fairman & Seufert, Inc.  Construction services were provided by Bowen Engineering Corporation.  Design and construction costs totaled $2.4 Million. 

Disinfection Expansion to 10 MGD

The ultra-violet disinfection system initially installed in 2008 at the Cheeney Creek WWTP was upgraded in 2019 to provide effluent disinfection capacity for a daily average flow of 10 MGD and a daily peak flow of 20 MGD.  The project consisted of the installation of ultra-violet light modules in a flow channel originally constructed in 2008, power supply, controls, and software.  The Cheeney Creek WWTP is required to maintain an E. coli concentration below 125 colonies/100 milliliters.  The project design was provided by Clark Dietz, Inc.  Construction services were performed by Thieneman Constructions.  Design and construction costs totaled $625,000. 

Allisonville Road/Hague Road Lift Station Upgrades

This project is the last phase of conveyance improvements and capacity increases along the 106th Street conveyance corridor.  The project consists of the refurbishment of the two lift station wet wells, along with the installation of new pumps, controls, and standby emergency power generators.  The project was designed by Clark Dietz, Inc.  Bowen Engineering Corporation was awarded the construction contract in July 2020.  Design and construction costs are estimated at $3.0 Million

Cheeney Creek WWTP Grit and Screening Improvements

In order to complete the 10 MGD expansion in all process operations at the Cheeney Creek WWTP, the existing girt and screening facilities need to be upgraded.  This project consists of the installation of a second grit removal tank, collector and classifier, and the replacement of the Number 1 Fine Screen.  Design work was performed by Donohue & Associates.  Contract bidding and construction is anticipated in late 2021 or 2022.  The estimated cost of design and construction is $2.8 Million.