City public‑works staff told the Preston City Council on Aug. 11 that construction on the new wastewater treatment plant is substantially complete, with major mechanical and electrical installations finished and preparations underway for system testing.

Project status: Public‑works staff reported pipe installation across the site, completed concrete in the equalization basin, and installation of aerators, gearboxes and catwalks in oxidation ditches and clarifiers. "If we're sitting right now, probably between 84–86% complete," said Brian (public works), noting that completion will accelerate as heavy equipment is cleared and paving or final grading is installed.

Testing timeline: Staff said the project team hopes to run a 30‑day clean water test in the fall and to bring the supervisory control (SCADA) systems online for monitoring and control during that period. If those test runs go as planned, the plant startup could take place in October–November with continued punch‑list work thereafter.

Public access and monitoring: The city has a publicly accessible camera feed on the city website (prestoni d.us → Department → Sewer plant live feed) so residents can view the work in progress.

Why it matters: The new plant will replace older infrastructure and is central to the city’s wastewater handling capacity; startup requires coordinated mechanical, electrical and operational testing to ensure compliance with state permits.

Discussion vs. decision: This was an informational update; the council received the report and no formal action was required.

Ending: Staff will continue scheduled testing and will update the council on test results and a final startup schedule.