Heber Valley Special Service District
Wastewater Treatment Planning, Expansion, and Reuse Program
AQUA has served as a trusted engineering partner to the Heber Valley Special Service District (HVSSD) since 2009, providing planning, design, construction management, regulatory support, and long-term wastewater infrastructure planning services. Located within a rapidly growing mountain valley where surface water discharge is restricted, the District faces unique challenges associated with wastewater treatment, effluent disposal, water reuse, and growth management.
AQUA initially completed a comprehensive 30-year facilities planning effort to evaluate future treatment and disposal needs for the District. At the time, the existing treatment system consisted primarily of wastewater lagoons with seasonal agricultural land application of treated effluent. Due to the significant costs associated with expanding lagoon facilities and acquiring additional land for reuse irrigation, AQUA evaluated alternative treatment strategies and recommended development of a parallel mechanical treatment facility to supplement the lagoon system. The resulting project included the design and implementation of a new wastewater treatment facility utilizing an Integrated Fixed-Film Activated Sludge (IFAS) process with STM Aerotor technology and tertiary disc filtration. The facility was designed to treat a portion of the District's wastewater flow before disposal through Rapid Infiltration Basins (RIBs), providing increased treatment capacity while supporting the District's long-term land application and groundwater management objectives. The project was completed with a construction value of approximately $10 million. Since completion of the mechanical treatment facility, AQUA has prepared multiple Capital Facilities Plans and long-range planning studies evaluating future treatment capacity, growth projections, effluent disposal alternatives, and infrastructure expansion needs. Particular emphasis has been placed on optimizing the performance of the District's lagoon and Rapid Infiltration Basin systems, where nitrate management and groundwater protection are key regulatory considerations. AQUA also assisted the District in preserving historical water reuse rights following implementation of Utah's 2006 reclaimed water regulations. By documenting and supporting pre-existing reuse activities, AQUA successfully helped HVSSD secure grandfathered reuse rights associated with agricultural irrigation operations. Maintaining the open space and agricultural character of the District's existing farm property remains a central component of the District's long-term wastewater and water reuse strategy. Most recently, AQUA has been evaluating additional disposal alternatives, including potential groundwater discharge permitting opportunities, expansion of land application facilities, acquisition of additional agricultural property, and future treatment improvements necessary to accommodate continued growth throughout the Heber Valley. AQUA is also managing efforts to remove accumulated sludge from the existing lagoon system, including preparation of bidding documents and contractor procurement services for a major dredging program. Through more than fifteen years of partnership, AQUA has helped HVSSD develop a sustainable, phased approach to wastewater treatment and water reuse that balances regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, environmental stewardship, and community values. |
Key Services Provided
Project Benefits
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Project Summary:
Client |
Heber Valley Special Service District |
Reference |
*Available upon request |
Location |
Heber, UT |
Features |
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