CW2020 Employee Newsletter Vol. 4, No. 2

On June 8, 2016, the City of Columbia held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Water Distribution and Wastewater Management facilities located at 4011 West Beltline Boulevard. Construction plans include renovating two existing structures and building a new 15,300 square foot administrative complex. The City is pursuing its first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building Silver Certification for this project. 

“We’re very excited about this project. For years, our water and wastewater maintenance staff have been packed very tightly in our existing facility. By moving into this new facility, it will give us an opportunity to expand and improve our operations,” Director of Utilities and Engineering Joey Jaco stated. 

Wastewater Maintenance Superintendent, Robert Judy, agreed. “Our employees work hard for the citizens of Columbia and are looking forward to occupying this new facility,” Judy stated. The expected completion date for the project is August 2017. When complete, approximately 300-400 employees will work in the new buildings.

The Water Distribution and Wastewater Management facilities will include sustainable features such as rain gardens to filter storm water and reduce runoff, landscaping to cut irrigation, bicycle storage and showers to encourage alternative transportation, a sunshade system on the exterior to reduce solar heat, and enhanced lighting and thermal efficiency. Plans also include a warehouse, air conditioned storage, an air conditioned guardhouse, covered fleet storage, material and equipment storage, and an outdoor service bay and bulk material storage bins. The asphalt onsite will be reclaimed for landscaping and rain gardens.