CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – The Urbana and Champaign Sanitary District (UCSD) has officially kicked off a transformative $35 million project aimed at improving its wastewater treatment facilities, marking a significant step in enhancing local environmental health and sustainability. The groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, heralded the beginning of a series of upgrades that will not only boost operational efficiency but also help the district transition to more renewable energy sources.

The event, held at UCSD’s Southwest Treatment Plant (SWP), was attended by key stakeholders, including UCSD Board President Jennie Putnam, contractors, and local government representatives. The upgrades will expand the capacity of the Southwest Plant from 7.98 million gallons per day (MGD) to 9.2 MGD and will include vital improvements such as new primary clarifiers, aeration basins, and sludge storage tanks, alongside the demolition of outdated structures.

A key component of the upgrade is the incorporation of renewable energy into the plant’s operations. UCSD is partnering with Onyx Renewables, Sol Systems, and Verde Solutions to build a 2.5-megawatt solar energy system to power the Southwest plant. This initiative will allow the district to source over 70% of its energy from renewable sources, significantly reducing energy costs and minimizing its environmental footprint.

Jennie Putnam, Board President of UCSD, spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of this investment: “This project represents not just a step forward for our wastewater infrastructure, but a commitment to building a sustainable future for our community. By increasing efficiency and reducing energy consumption, we’re protecting public health, reducing costs, and contributing to a greener planet.”

Other notable attendees at the groundbreaking included representatives from the City of Champaign, City of Urbana, Village of Savoy, and the University of Illinois, among others. The upgrades are part of UCSD’s ongoing efforts to modernize its facilities while maintaining affordable and reliable service for the region.

The project is projected to take through June 2027 for completion. Visit www.u-csd.com for details.