Brightwater reports ‘massive improvements’ at Perkins wastewater plant; outlines remaining steps for DEQ compliance

Jason Wharton, wastewater treatment plant manager with Brightwater, told the Perkins Public Works Authority on Jan. 14 that the plant has made "massive improvements" since a prior Comprehensive Evaluation Inspection (CEI) and that well over half of the previously cited items have been corrected.

Wharton described specific remaining tasks: removal or control of vegetation in the flow-equalization basin (FEB), cleaning and de-sludging of digesters, and replacement of a barely seeping valve that is contributing to intermittent poorer readings when decanting. He said the vegetation has been treated with an aquatic‑safe spray and that options include hand removal or controlled flooding of the basin; he will consult colleagues to pick the best approach.

Wharton said Brightwater has taken multiple samples showing effluent clarity comparable to tap water and that current total suspended solids (TSS) are in double digits though well under the permit limit of 45 milligrams per liter; his target is to reach single‑digit TSS. He cautioned that any penalties or fees for past violations are outside current corrective work but that, moving forward, presenting a clear plan to the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) should prevent new fines.

He told commissioners the remaining items are achievable, that he submitted documentation to the city manager for letterhead and signatures to return to DEQ, and that staff will continue to track completion of CEI items. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about benchmarks and timelines; Wharton confirmed the items were being scheduled and that he would coordinate next steps with city management.

The PPWA took no independent enforcement action during the meeting; the presentation served as an operational update and a staff‑level commitment to finish corrective work and provide documentation to DEQ.