Meeting the challenge of a difficult job.

The West Dover Wastewater Treatment Project for the North Branch Fire District #1 in Dover Vermont started out as a typical wastewater treatment plant upgrade, taking old systems off line as new systems were constructed over the course of eighteen months. The project progressed as expected until unforeseen groundwater conditions encountered during the Clearwater lagoon excavation caused significant delay in lining the clearwater holding pond. Another component of the project, as bid, contemplated construction of two new clarifiers over the entire contract time. However, as a result of the delays in completion of a Clearwater holding pond an alternate sequencing plan would be required. On November 29, Kingsbury was notified that one of the new clarifiers needed to be completed and the second clarifier converted to a temporary clearwater storage tank by December 22nd to maintain treatment standards during the winter peak flows from the ski areas. Since this was months earlier than planned, a monumental effort would be undertaken to meet the new requirements.

Excellence in project management.

To meet the requested challenge of a fully functioning clarifier and a temporary storage tank, all electrical and control systems needed to be installed and commissioned concurrently with the installation of the clarifier mechanism. Materials and equipment not presently at the site were expedited to make sure the schedule would be met. A crew of mechanics rotated through 24 hours a day for 20 straight days until the clarifier was grouted, fully functioning, and placed into service. Piping to the second clarifier was diverted so that it could be utilized as a Clearwater storage tank. This work was performed during the shortest days of the year in subfreezing temperatures. The system was commissioned on December 22.

Projects contribution to the community.

The North Branch Fire District #1 was formed in 1968 and started construction on Dover’s WWTP in 1971. The completion of the plant in 1975 allowed for additional and denser development near the Mount Snow Ski Area that was previously limited by steep slopes and poor soils for subsurface disposal. The construction resulted in a 36% increase in residential building and over 200,000 sf of commercial development even as local population declined. Now, Mount Snow is the largest employer in the area.

Sensitivity to the environmental surroundings.

Consistent with the Town Plan for protection of groundwater through provisions for reliable wastewater disposal, the treatment protocol was quickly modified to ensure consistent levels of wastewater treatment with the partially completed upgrade. In addition, throughout the construction of the upgrade, erosion control measures were fastidiously maintained to protect the adjacent streams and wetland.

Outstanding safety record.

For the project duration, the team consistently met requirements for supervision, communication, and reporting. Job Hazard Analysis was performed for each portion of the work with customized training for the installation team.  Safety audits were performed and emergency procedures reviewed on a daily basis.  Particular attention to safety protocols was employed during the multi-crew, 24 hour construction period to guard against accidents caused by fatigue and cold conditions.