Project

Water Infrastructure News (WIN): Sussex County MUA borrows $33 Million in Water Bank Loan saving ratepayers approximately $6.4 million.

 The Sussex County MUA recently completed a landfill expansion that is being financed with approximately $33 million in loans from the NJ Water Bank, a low-rate funding program jointly administered by the DEP and the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (“I-Bank”). Total savings for this project are estimated at $6.4 million over the 20-year term of the loan or 20% of the project cost, in comparison to SCMUA financing the project on its own. This project also created an estimated 396 direct construction jobs.

This project implemented both vertical and horizontal expansion of the landfill via construction of mechanically stabilized earthen berms which wrap around the exterior of the landfill. The space between the newly constructed berm and the slope of the existing landfill is used as additional space to store solid waste. The project also included relocation of existing site infrastructure, construction of approximately 9.2 acres of a new final capping system, modification of the existing gas management system, and installation of new drainage features. This project will allow for the continued proper management of Sussex County municipal solid waste pursuant to the approved County Solid Waste Management Plan and the approved DEP Solid Waste Facilities Permit.

Ronald Petillo, Chairman of the SCMUA Board of Commissioners, explained the importance of the proper management and disposal of solid waste. “This project brings the landfill into compliance with appropriate site controls that provide protection for both surface and ground waters by reducing and/or eliminating non-point sources of pollution. The SCMUA is able to achieve these benefits at the lowest possible cost by borrowing from the NJ Water Bank. This strategy protects the community and the environment while saving money for our ratepayers overall.”

This project was designed by Arm Group and constructed by Tomco Construction.