During a recent government meeting, Robbie Williams provided an update on the ongoing wastewater treatment project, highlighting significant upgrades and future phases aimed at enhancing the facility's efficiency and capacity.

Williams reported that the project, which has already been submitted to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), is set to be presented to the council for advertising permission at the next meeting, with an anticipated advertising date of October 1. He noted that the DEQ has yet to provide feedback on the submission, which has been pending for 28 days.

Key components of the project include the installation of two new influent pumps to replace outdated screw pumps from the late 1970s. These new submersible pumps will utilize advanced technology to improve water flow management. Additionally, the aeration basin, crucial for maintaining the health of microorganisms that digest sludge, will see upgrades to its blower system, which has been in place since the late 1990s.

The project also involves constructing a new splitter box to enhance flow distribution among the facility's clarifiers, with plans to rehabilitate one of the existing clarifiers built in 2007. Alternate project components include the construction of a new wet well and effluent pumps to manage river water during flood stages, as well as the removal of old equipment to create additional storage for maintenance needs.

Funding for these upgrades will come from approximately $3.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds allocated to Canadian County.

In addition to the current project, Williams discussed future phases, including an environmental study required for a new pipe installation in the river, which has been awarded through the EPA. Future phases also include the installation of a new belt press, a backup generator for the aeration basin, and necessary upgrades to the plant's infrastructure.

The meeting concluded with Williams confirming that the project remains on track for the bidding process to commence at the next council meeting, addressing concerns about the operational capacity of the clarifiers during maintenance work.