City of Oronoco, Wastewater Treatment System

The Oronoco Wastewater Treatment System was a transformative infrastructure improvement that modernized this small community’s  (pop. 1800) antiquated and failing septic systems to a new wastewater and water distribution system for the City of Oronoco and neighboring Oak Meadows Mobile Home Community.

 

Project Highlights:

 

Public Heath Need – Prior to the project, 26% of the septic systems were classified as an imminent threat to public health and safety; 35% failed to protect groundwater, and more than 75% of were classifying as not compliant to current rules and/or had reached the end of their useful life.

Modernized Infrastructure – Wastewater Treatment System includes seven major structures, 14 miles of sanitary sewer main, 9 lift stations, 84 grinder stations, 5 miles of watermain, and 535 utility service connections.

Sensitive Environmental Conditions – Oronoco sits atop an active karst geologic area where groundwater sensitivity to pollution is high to very high and the Middle Fork and South Branch of the Zumbro River meet in the center of Oronoco.  The elimination of hundreds of noncompliant treatment systems was an important step to protecting these resources.

Allowing for community growth – The wastewater system was designed to allow for doubling of the City’s population over the next twenty years.

 

The Oronoco Wastewater Treatment System exemplifies how small cities can accomplish big things for their community.