City staff report solid wastewater capacity, no effluent violations and adopted master plans

Public works staff presented the annual municipal wastewater planning program assessment to the Orem City Council and reported no permit violations and adequate treatment and collection capacity for current operations.

The survey and master plan: City staff described the municipal wastewater planning program as a management tool that collects technical, operational and financial data in a more than 100‑question survey. The council was told the city adopted utility master plans and an associated capital facilities plan as part of the rate study and planning process earlier in the year.

Capacity and operations: Ryan Johnson, water reclamation division manager, and public works staff told the council the wastewater treatment facility is designed for a 13,500,000‑gallon‑per‑day capacity and that loading and organic strength remain well under permitted limits. Staff reported current loading and flows are below the plant’s designed treatment capabilities.

Staffing and maintenance: The city reported 27 full‑time employees in the water reclamation division plus additional variable‑hour staff, and described preventive maintenance and inspection routines in place for lift stations and collection mains. Managers said there had been one lift station failure reported during the prior year that staff repaired without broader service impacts.

Financial standing: Staff said rate increases over recent years and the adopted capital facilities plan provide the resources needed for maintenance and planned projects. The council placed the related utility master plans and associated financial plans on the consent agenda for final adoption later in the meeting.

Ending: Council members thanked staff for the review and for the advance work that supported the master plan adoption on the consent agenda.