Johnson County OKs design funds for Tomahawk Creek wastewater odor and process upgrades

The Johnson County Board of County Commissioners on March 6 authorized up to $1,670,700 for the design and bid phase of the Tomahawk Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility Process Improvements Project, citing expected odor control and long-term chemical-cost reductions.

Chairman Mike Kelly opened a public hearing on resolution WD25-001 and invited staff from Johnson County Wastewater to present. Susan Pekarek, with Johnson County Wastewater, told commissioners the plant currently mitigates odors by adding chemicals, a practice that also interferes with the biological process used to remove phosphorus. Pekarek said the odor-control chemical “costs about $15,000 a month,” and that when the biological process is inhibited the plant must add a carbon supplement that “can be as much as $40,000 a month,” adding that “annually we could be looking at, up to over half a million dollars a year in chemical.”

Commissioners discussed return on investment and operational benefits. Commissioner Ashcraft asked for a clearer briefing on the enhancement’s economic and operational impacts; Pekarek and other commissioners said the improvement should reduce chemical reliance, improve phosphorus removal and reduce odors that affect nearby neighborhoods. Commissioner Allenbrand complimented staff for finding cost savings, and others said the project would inform future wastewater projects.

Commissioner Fast moved to adopt resolution WD25-1 authorizing funds for the design and bid phase for THM 1 contract 31 in an amount not to exceed $1,670,700; Commissioner Allenbrand seconded. The clerk recorded the motion adopted by roll call with seven votes in favor and none against.

The action moves the project into design and bidding; staff said construction funding and schedule will follow later phases and that expected benefits include lower operating chemical costs and improved process reliability.