The South Utah Valley Solid Waste District (SUVSWD) is crucial in sustainable waste management for numerous Southern Utah County communities. To accommodate regional growth and enhance efficiency, SUVSWD expanded its transfer station in Spanish Fork, partnering with Western Steel Buildings for its expertise in hybrid metal buildings.
Initially opened in 1990, the SUVSWD transfer station was designed to process 254 t (250 ton) of waste daily. Today, it manages approximately 1,008 t (700 ton) daily, necessitating an expansion to meet increasing demand.
The new 10,243-m2 (110,250-sf) hybrid steel and concrete tilt-up building provides ample waste processing and administration space. Western Steel Buildings designed and supplied a hybrid steel structure tailored to the station’s needs. “We needed a clear span inside the building, so we couldn’t have any poles,” said Terry Ficklin, general manager of SUVSWD. “The entire design had to be completely open for the entire 10,243 m2 (110,250 sf) and 11.3 m (37 ft) height.”
A key feature is its clear-span design, which eliminates internal columns to maximize space and allow unobstructed movement of vehicles and equipment. This enhances efficiency and safety.
Hughes General Contractors oversaw construction, Galloway provided architectural services, BHB Structural ensured structural integrity, and J&M Steel erected the structure.
The expanded transfer station reflects SUVSWD’s commitment to sustainability and service. By investing in modern infrastructure, SUVSWD provides effective waste management for Spanish Fork, Provo, Springville, Mapleton, Salem City, Woodland Hills, and Goshen Town. “One of the things we liked about Western Steel is they gave us a single point of contact,” said Ficklin. “If there was ever a question or a problem, that contact took care of us.”
This project shows how teamwork and innovative design can solve the challenges of modern waste management. “We wouldn’t have kept the schedule; we wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for the help of Western Steel Buildings,” Ficklin concluded.
Owner: South Utah Valley Solid Waste District, suvswd.org
General contractor: Hughes General Contractors, North Salt Lake, Utah, hughesgc.com
Civil engineer and project management: Forsgren Associates, Salt Lake City, Utah, forsgren.com
Metal building contractor: Western Steel Buildings, Park City, Utah, westernsteel.com
Architect: Galloway, Salt Lake City, Utah, gallowayus.com
Structural engineer: BHB Structural, Salt Lake City, Utah, bhbengineers.com
Erector: J&M Steel
