Project Detail
  • Wastewater Collection & Treatment

    City of Fargo Wastewater Collection & Treatment

    Fargo, North Dakota, USA

    The City of Fargo's sewer extension project involved the installation of 1 wet well, 6 units of 6-foot diameter manholes, and over 14 components of sewer lines and lift stations. Bio-San was specified for the project to protect the concrete from MIC (Microbial-Induced Corrosion), harmful chemicals, and water penetration.

    Approximately 80 cubic yards of Bio-San was used, with the precast structures produced at Rinker's Plant in Hawley. Bio-San is designed to provide exceptional protection for concrete and rebars in environments prone to degradation. One of its primary functions is to combat Microbial-Induced Corrosion (MIC), a major concern in concrete sanitary sewer systems.

    MIC occurs when Thiobacillus bacteria thrive in the air and react to concrete, leading to accelerated deterioration. Bio-San mitigates this risk by incorporating advanced microbial resistance, effectively creating a barrier that prevents bacterial growth and reduces the potential for corrosion. In addition to microbial protection, Bio-San also uses crystalline waterproofing technology, which is crucial for guarding against the damaging effects of sulphates, chlorides, and water penetration.

    This technology forms insoluble crystals inside the concrete, filling capillary pores and blocking water pathways. As a result, the concrete is less susceptible to sulphate attack (which can weaken and crack concrete) and chloride penetration (which can corrode steel reinforcement), ensuring the long-term durability of the structures even in harsh, corrosive environments.

    An added benefit of using Bio-San is its distinctive brown tint. This visual marker made it easy for officials to identify Bio-San-infused concrete on-site, significantly simplifying the field verification process. Project Manager Jason Satterlund (City of Fargo) noted the color difference when Bio-San-treated products were removed from the truck and placed in front of the non-Bio-San-treated structures, as seen in the images. This visible color contrast made it easier for inspectors, to confirm that the correct additives were used. It served as a simple yet effective quality control tool, providing confidence in the materials used throughout the project. Overall, Bio-San contributed significantly to the project's success, providing both durability and ease of verification throughout the installation process.

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