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City of Columbia begins construction on larger wastewater plant to boost capacity
Summary
City of Columbia wastewater director Donnie Beau Shears announced construction of a new treatment facility that will boost capacity to 35 million gallons per day; current plant treats up to 14 million gallons daily with average flows of about 6 to 7 million. Funding and timeline were not specified.
Donnie Beau Shears, director of the wastewater department for the City of Columbia, announced that the city has begun construction on a new wastewater treatment facility designed to increase treatment capacity and strengthen system performance.
The new plant, Shears said, is "designed with state of the art technology and advanced treatment processes" and will increase treatment capacity to 35 million gallons per day. He described the project as intended to "ensure we are well prepared to serve Columbia's future."
Shears opened with an overview of the existing system, saying, "Our department manages more than 334 miles of collection lines and 33 pump stations that transport wastewater from households, businesses, and industries to the Columbia wastewater treatment plant." He added that the current treatment facility is "capable of treating 14,000,000 gallons of wastewater per day with an average of 6 to 7,000,000 gallons a day," and that the plant is "staffed around the clock 24 7 to ensure safe and reliable service."
Shears also framed the work as regulatory and public-health driven, saying the system "is permitted by the state of Tennessee and operates under strict standards set by both the state and the EPA." He emphasized the role of wastewater treatment in protecting public health and safeguarding the environment.
Shears provided contact information for further inquiries: the wastewater department phone number (931) 560-1001 and the City of Columbia website, columbiatn.gov. He did not specify funding sources for the new plant, a project schedule or an expected date for completion.
The remarks were a departmental briefing rather than a formal council presentation; no motions or votes were reported during these remarks. The department characterized the project as an upgrade to system capacity and performance, and said it is under construction.
