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City receives update on $45 million wastewater plant upgrade; council moves WPCLF application to second reading
Summary
Engineers presented plans to modernize Mount Vernon’s wastewater treatment plant, estimating roughly $45 million in construction costs to increase average capacity from about 3.2 to 4.1 MGD, address phosphorus limits, and dewater sludge; Council gave Resolution 2025-02 a second reading and asked for a committee meeting to review financing.
Mount Vernon officials and engineering consultants gave City Council and the Utilities committee an update on planned upgrades to the city wastewater treatment plant and sought authorization to pursue loan and grant options. The presentation and committee discussion took place in advance of the legislative session, and Council later gave Resolution 2025-02 a second reading.
Joe Jacobs of Arcadis and a colleague, Aaron, outlined proposed improvements intended to address three drivers: growth, regulatory changes (notably Ohio EPA phosphorus limits), and the deteriorating condition of plant infrastructure. They said the plant currently treats an annual average of about 3.2 million gallons per day and that the proposed improvements would increase average-day capacity to approximately 4.1 million gallons per day to accommodate anticipated growth (roughly 2,000 new homes over 20 years) and commercial demand.
Consultants showed photos of significant corrosion, spalling concrete and aging mechanical systems in tanks, digesters and methane handling systems. Engineers proposed dewatering solids to create a drier “cake” that can be stored on-site or taken to landfill, reducing hauling volumes and increasing disposal flexibility compared with current liquid land-application practices.
Arcadis estimated construction costs at approximately $45,000,000 (construction-cost estimate only; excludes engineering, permits and other soft costs). The team described a schedule that includes completing design in 2025, selecting a construction manager-at-risk, starting construction in January 2026 and anticipating substantial completion in summer 2028.
Council and staff discussed financing options: the city previously approved a loan agreement in 2021 for a smaller-scope project (~$15 million) but that authorization lapsed as the scope expanded; staff said they will pursue WPCLF (Water Pollution Control Loan Fund) loans and grants, OPWC and other state/federal grant opportunities, and consider rate study outcomes, 0% loan options and new-community assessment mechanisms to match growth-driven expansion costs.
In the legislative session Council gave Resolution 2025-02 a second reading and Utilities Committee Chair requested a 20‑minute committee meeting at the next legislative session to review financing, rate impacts and next steps before a final loan authorization. Council members noted multiple future return visits will be needed for selection of construction manager, grant authorizations, rate adjustments and permission to bid.
Votes at a glance: Resolution 2025-02 — Received second reading; a 20‑minute committee meeting was requested to review the WPCLF application and financing approach before additional action.
