Project Overview
Rapid development north of Chubbuck, Idaho, posed a significant threat to groundwater quality due to widespread reliance on septic systems. With no existing sewer infrastructure to support current needs or projected growth—estimated at 50,000 future residents—the region faced a “perfect storm” of environmental risk and infrastructure inadequacy. A proactive, collaborative solution was critical.
Regional Coordination and Program Development
J-U-B ENGINEERS guided key stakeholders—the Cities of Chubbuck and Pocatello, and Bannock County—through the planning and execution of a $19.2 million program to address the crisis. This included helping form a Joint Powers Authority to manage the effort and leading a robust public involvement process to ensure community engagement and support.
Funding Strategy and Success
J-U-B helped secure American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grants and State Revolving Fund (SRF) loans—some of the largest awarded in that funding cycle—to finance the project. These funding sources enabled immediate action without overburdening local resources.
Infrastructure Design and Construction
The project’s first phase focused on building a “backbone” sewer collection system to serve the entire area. Key components included:
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6.5 miles of large-diameter trunk lines and force mains
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Two custom-built regional lift stations
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A phased design approach allowing for competitive bidding following contractor prequalification
J-U-B provided full construction administration services, ensuring the project was completed on time and 21% under budget.
Environmental and Community Impact
With the new sewer infrastructure in place, reliance on septic systems has been significantly reduced—protecting local groundwater from nutrient contamination and safeguarding the area’s drinking water supply. The project also opens the door for responsible growth, enabling development at appropriate densities in a more environmentally sustainable way.
This effort showcases J-U-B’s ability to navigate complex regional challenges through strategic planning, innovative engineering, and community-focused execution.
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