by Dennis Dalman
A much-needed new sewage-line lift station will finally be installed near the river in Sartell. Bids are expected to be awarded for the project at the March 28 council meeting.
The estimated cost is $1,454,200.
The station, known as Lift Station #2, will be installed at Rotary Park along CR 1. Replacement of the old one has been a city priority for many years and the topic of much discussion at various city-council meetings. It is one of 10 lift stations located in Sartell.
A lift station pumps sewage from a lower sewage line to lines at a higher elevation so the wastewater can flow unimpeded to a treatment plant – in this case the one in St. Cloud to which Sartell pays to have the sewage treated.
The lift-water stations project will include total replacement of the old one, site improvements and the lining of an adjacent gravity sewer. A gravity sewer is one that carries waste within the lines by the force of gravity.
One of the site improvements is the replacement of a St. Cloud-owned storm sewer along the line. St. Cloud will reimburse Sartell for that part of the project.
The major share of the project will be completed during the 2022 construction season. Sartell plans to bond for funds this year to cover the costs of that project, as well as the cost of reconstructions of 19th Avenue and CR 1.