The City of Moline officially broke ground this week on a $120 million upgrade to the South Slope Wastewater Treatment Plant, located at 2800 48th Ave.
The facility serves as the Rock River Valley Regional Sewer System for the City of Moline, Coal Valley, and portions of East Moline. This marks the start of a multi-year project.
“Today’s groundbreaking marks one of the largest and most significant infrastructure investments in our city’s history,” Moline Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati said in a news release.
The project, to be completed in phases through 2029, will replace outdated facilities, equipment and systems with more modern and efficient technology. Key elements include demolition of portions of the original plant, replacement of aging treatment systems, enhancing current processes with the latest, most efficient methods, and the addition of advanced phosphorus removal systems to ensure compliance with Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements.
The mayor added: “Investing in the South Slope Wastewater Treatment Plant allows us to meet today’s needs while preparing for future growth and ensuring efficient, reliable water treatment for our community for generations to come.”
The project is funded through a low-interest loan from the Illinois EPA. The City of Moline will borrow $120 million at a 1.9% interest rate, to be repaid over 30 years.
Construction is being led by IHC Construction Companies, the Elgin, Illinois-based contractor selected through a competitive bid process.
The South Slope facility will remain operational throughout construction.
