WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — The City of Wausau will soon move forward with the purchase of two new street sweepers at a cost of nearly $500,000 from the city’s motor pool fund.
Public Works Director Eric Lindman says the city has been looking at replacing two of its current street sweepers for some time, and the new models will be more efficient in many areas. “They are much more efficient at picking up debris so we don’t anticipate having to do multiple passes in certain areas where we have heavy sediment and sand,” he said.
Additionally, the new sweepers operate with just one engine while the old ones run two, making them more fuel-efficient. Lindman adds the new models also run cleaner, making them better for the environment and air quality.
While some may see the street sweepers operating in the spring and summer and think they are only doing cosmetic work for the city, Lindman says there is so much more to the job. “It’s part of our stormwater permit, to do what we can to remove solids out of our storm sewer water.” Adding that they also serve to keep the streets clean for a more pleasing visual of the city.
He says by keeping the debris out of the storm sewers, the city can also reduce maintenance costs for the infrastructure.
By selling the old street sweepers Lindman expects the city to make close to $80,000 back for the Motor Pool fund.
