Iron Ridge Breaks Ground Soon on New Wastewater Facility to Meet DNR Standards

The Village of Iron Ridge is preparing to break ground this spring on a new wastewater treatment facility, a project aimed at bringing the village into compliance with state environmental standards and ensuring reliable water treatment for decades to come.
Planning for the new facility began in 2020, when the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) notified village officials that stricter permit requirements would necessitate upgrades to the existing plant.
“Our next permit is due in 2027, so the DNR is asking that we get the new plant up and running at that point or before,” said Iron Ridge Director of Public Works Anthony Liebenow.
Construction will start with a new lift station and headworks building, which will include a modern sampling area and improved filtration to remove debris from the village’s sanitary sewer system.
“There’s no ground that’s broke yet, but we’re looking at spring of this year,” Liebenow said.

An exact date for the groundbreaking has not been set.
The new facility is designed to replace the village’s aging system, which has struggled to meet new, lower limits on ammonia and phosphorus set by the DNR.
“Our ammonia levels are pretty far out of whack right now,” Liebenow explained.
The current plant, described as “a very simple, easy process,” is no longer able to keep up with regulatory demands without excessive chemical use, which creates additional issues. The new system will allow the village to meet current and future standards “in the most efficient way,” Liebenow said, with the ability to add equipment as regulations evolve.
The total cost of the project is expected to exceed $8 million, although the final number is not yet determined. Funding is coming from a combination of state loans and grants, including $350,000 in principal forgiveness last year and $2.6 million in new principal forgiveness this year through the state’s Clean Water Fund. The remainder — about $6.86 million — will be financed through a loan.
“That’s a large amount for a village our size,” Liebenow noted.
As a result, Iron Ridge residents can expect their water rates to increase by 40 to 50 percent. The village has communicated the coming changes through newsletters and public hearings, though attendance has been limited. “I put it out in our newsletter, writing that rates will probably be going up 40 to 50%,” village staff noted.
Despite the cost, Liebenow said the project is essential for the long-term health of the community.
“We’re hoping to set our village up for the next 40, 50, 60 years, whatever it may be,” he said.
The DNR has been “great to work with,” helping the village navigate compliance issues as construction approaches.
The new facility will be located off Iron Street, near the site of the current plant. Once construction is complete and the facility is operational — anticipated in 2027 — the village plans to offer public tours to help residents understand the improvements and see how their investment is being used.
“We’re moving forward as fast as we can,” Liebenow said. “Sometimes it’s not fast enough, but we’re all pretty happy with the progress.”