Northern Moraine Wastewater Reclamation District
Challenge – Sewage sludge exposed to the elements
Solution – Two Hercules Truss Arch Buildings
Size – 65′ wide x 70′ long
Application – Covered sludge beds
Raw sewage storage is something all municipalities must handle in order to keep local water sources safe. In Illinois, the Northern Moraine Wastewater Reclamation District is responsible for serving three communities in the Island Lake area with a total population of about 12,000 people. To dispose of the sewage, this facility must process it so that it can eventually be discharged into a nearby river. Northern Moraine WRD treats approximately 1.1 million gallons of water per day.
The facility had been storing treated and dried biosolids, or sewage sludge, outside for a long period of time. Operations Supervisor Todd Sheridan explains, “The material got wet every time it rained or snowed, causing odor concerns and raising disposal costs.” Sheridan knew the facility needed covered storage space for the sludge beds and began researching his options.
Northern Moraine WRD receives catalogs regularly from one of ClearSpan’s affiliate companies and Sheridan discovered Hercules Truss Arch Buildings inside one of his copies. He says, “The price of ClearSpan Fabric Structures and the company’s great customer service were both selling points. Other companies with similar products were very unresponsive.” Sheridan decided on two 65′ wide by 70′ long Hercules Truss Arch Buildings to cover the sludge beds.
Sheridan is very pleased with the buildings, noting that they are “working out wonderfully!” He is happy with the affordable price and the construction timeline. “They were assembled in less than a week.” He adds, “The light that comes through the covers is great.” Currently, both structures are storing sewage sludge, but Sheridan says, “I’m sure we will find even more uses for the buildings down the road.”
For more information on Northern Moraine Wastewater Reclamation District’s fabric structures, email Todd Sheridan at Todd@nmwrd.org.
