For more than 15 years, Apex Engineering Group has partnered with the City of Fargo, North Dakota, to deliver reliable, efficient, and state-of-the-art wastewater solutions. This long-standing collaboration has supported multiple major projects and the development of a comprehensive, multi-phase capital improvement program guiding investments from 2010 through 2040.
Apex worked closely with the City to plan improvements driven by anticipated growth, regionalization opportunities, increasingly stringent effluent limits, replacement of aging infrastructure, operational efficiency, and innovation—while maintaining a strong focus on cost-effective solutions.

In 2010, Apex was selected through a qualifications-based process to serve as the City’s Wastewater Consulting Engineer. The initial effort included preparation of a comprehensive Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) Plan to evaluate existing conditions and capacity, assess treatment processes, equipment, and structures, identify deficiencies related to safety, performance, and future regulatory requirements, and develop long-term strategies to reliably meet projected hydraulic and organic loading needs over the next 20+ years. As part of this effort, Apex cataloged all major equipment and established a centralized asset management database to support long-term operations and maintenance planning.

In 2014, Apex completed a Facility Plan Amendment to update growth projections, incorporate regionalization for surrounding communities, and address more stringent effluent limits in coordination with the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality. The updated plan prioritized improvements through a phased implementation approach, allowing the City to strategically expand capacity, enhance treatment performance, and comply with future regulations through the year 2040.

Multi-Phase Capital Improvement Plan
Apex developed and implemented a multi-year phased program to meet regional treatment needs while balancing available funding sources.

2014-2015 – Phase 1 Existing Equipment Replacement ($12.9 million)

• Replacement of aging influent pumps
• Primary sludge and scum pumping improvements
• Replacement of multiple primary, intermediate and final clarifiers
• Replacement of secondary digester covers 

2017-2018 – Phase 2A Interim Treatment Capacity and Disinfection ($23 million)

• Temporary centrifuge thickening process to alleviate capacity limitations
• Replacement of aging trickling filter mechanisms and clarifiers
• Conversion of existing chlorine system to UV disinfection
• Capacity expansion to 50 mgd for disinfection, effluent pumping and discharge piping

2018-2019 Central Generation Station ($4 million)

• Central generation station for backup power, off-peak, and lowering utility demand

2020 – 2025 Phase 2B Improvements ($147 million)

• A new headworks facility with screening and grit removal
• A new west treatment train with biological nutrient removal and blower building with high-speed turbo
• Final clarification with sludge and scum pumping stations
• Thickening for scum and waste, activated sludge, and digester expansion and improvements
• New primary digester and rehabilitation of three existing primary digesters
• Replacement of digester gallery components, including heat exchangers, recirculation pumps, sludge transfer pumps and a new boiler
• Energy and Resource Recovery with site wide reuse water distribution system and biogas utilization
• Odor and corrosion control
• Mechanical, HVAC, and plumbing improvements
• Electrical, instrumentation and controls upgrades

Results 

Today, the state-of-the-art water reclamation facility treats an average daily flow of 29 million gallons, with peak flows up to 50 million gallons. The facility serves as a regional wastewater treatment center for the City of Fargo, surrounding communities, local industries, and septage haulers.

Through advanced treatment and water reuse, the facility conserves potable water by supplying reclaimed water for industrial processes, equipment operation, and plant wash water—supporting sustainability, resilience, and long-term value for the region.