IWS provided a comprehensive renovation of two high profile rest areas along the I-70 corridor in Colorado’s Glenwood Canyon, one of the most scenic sections of roadway in the country.
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) project featured facility upgrades and replacement of existing composting toilets with new wastewater treatment systems at both the Bair Ranch and Hanging Lake Rest Areas. Both facilities are located in an environmentally sensitive area in a tight canyon on the Colorado River.
The main factor contributing to the renovation was the need to replace the existing composting toilets, which had exceeded their design capacity causing odors unacceptable to the public. The composting toilets were replaced with traditional flush toilets which required the construction of a new wastewater treatment system.
The wastewater is treated in a primary tank, and then flows through Advanced Treatment Units before finally being disinfected through an Ultraviolet (UV) system. The treated and disinfected wastewater is then discharged to the Colorado River.
The Bair Ranch facility required a 9,000 gallon septic tank, 4,000 gallon recirculation tank, 12 Orenco AX-20 treatment units, and a UV treatment system housed in a newly constructed block building.
The Hanging Lake facility required a 12,000 gallon septic tank, 5,000 gallon recirculation tank, 14 Orenco AX-20 treatment units, and a UV treatment system housed in a brick building. Special considerations were taken in the design to avoid freezing and cold weather conditions.
In addition to the wastewater facility, IWS completed rest area renovations including: replacement of plumbing infrastructure, tile floors, and bathroom vanities; upgrades to the HVAC; and modifications to rest area building exteriors.
The contract was executed over a four month period, delivered on schedule, and placed in service in mid December.
