By: Cody Paradis, Induron Southeastern Sales & Service
In Jekyll Island, Georgia, where environmental stewardship and infrastructure reliability go hand in hand, the Jekyll Island Water Authority faced a critical challenge inside its wastewater treatment plant headworks. Years of exposure to harsh wastewater conditions had led to severe concrete deterioration, threatening both the structural integrity of the asset and its long-term performance.
To address the issue, the Water Authority partnered with Radney Plumbing Inc. (RPI), a trusted contractor known for its hands-on expertise and commitment to quality execution. Together, they implemented a comprehensive rehabilitation plan designed not only to restore the structure, but to extend its service life and minimize future maintenance needs.
A Targeted Solution for Severe Deterioration
The scope of work required more than a surface-level fix. The degraded concrete needed to be rebuilt, reinforced, and protected against ongoing corrosion. Induron Protective Coatings recommended a solution that addressed each stage of the repair process:
- Surface Preparation: 5,000 PSI pressure washing ensured a clean, sound substrate for optimal coating adhesion.
- Structural Repair & Resurfacing: Mortarchem was applied to damaged areas to create a durable, uniform surface capable of withstanding aggressive wastewater environments.
- Protective Topcoat: PermaSafe 100 SL was applied to deliver long-term corrosion resistance and protection.
Efficiency in Challenging Conditions
Working within the tight confines of the headworks presented logistical challenges, but Induron’s system proved especially effective in this environment. The airless spray application of Mortarchem using a Graco E70 Max electric pump allowed RPI to maneuver efficiently in restricted spaces, improving application ease while reducing labor demands.
Equally impactful was the rapid turnaround enabled by the system. The ability to topcoat with PermaSafe 100 SL within the hour significantly shortened downtime, allowing the facility to return to service faster and maintain operational continuity. This efficiency translated directly into cost savings and bypassed disruption for the Water Authority.
Collaboration Driving Results
The success of the project reflects strong collaboration between all parties involved. The Jekyll Island Water Authority demonstrated forward-thinking leadership by proactively investing in infrastructure rehabilitation. Induron’s coatings solutions tied it all together providing the durability, efficiency, and performance needed for a demanding wastewater environment.
A Lasting Impact on the Community
Reliable wastewater infrastructure is essential to protecting public health and preserving the natural beauty of coastal communities like Jekyll Island. By restoring the headworks and extending its lifespan, this project helps ensure consistent treatment performance while reducing the risk of future deterioration.
With a system built to withstand corrosion and a process designed for efficiency, the rehabilitation not only solved an immediate problem, but also delivered long-term value for the Water Authority and the community it serves.
This project stands as a clear example of how the right combination of expertise, innovation, and collaboration can transform critical infrastructure challenges into lasting success.