Thomas Township Sanitary Sewer Improvements

Thomas Township, in Saginaw County, Michigan, undertook a major infrastructure project to accommodate a $375 million expansion at Hemlock Semiconductor (HSC), which would more than double its wastewater discharge. Spicer Group was hired to evaluate the system and propose solutions. The project focused on three key sections to address the increased flow and improve the Township’s infrastructure.

First, Pump Station #12 was upgraded with a new station designed to handle increased flow, along with a 15,000-foot HDPE force main that bypassed a bottleneck in the M-46 corridor. A strategically placed 21-inch stub connection and a 3,750-foot gravity sewer extension were added to further enhance capacity and facilitate future growth, redirecting the flow to a less-congested area of the collection system.

Second, Pump Station #4, which had been operating since 1972, required modernization. A new facility was built by purchasing an adjacent property, which included the installation of a 30-inch gravity sewer, a new pump station, and a 3,000-foot forcemain. Additionally, approximately 350 feet of cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) was used along McCliggot Road to rehabilitate old sewer lines and ensure the system’s longevity.

Lastly, the project included road restorations and the installation of new force mains to support the upgraded pump stations. These comprehensive upgrades allowed HSC to meet its wastewater needs while addressing the Township’s long-term goals. The project improved the community’s roads and sewer infrastructure, benefiting both HSC and local residents with increased capacity.