Bryan outlines wastewater plant upgrade: tanks installed, phosphorus removal strong, project driving temporary cost increase

Wes presented the wastewater plant operational update and construction progress during the March 2 meeting, reporting annual flows of about 525,600,000 gallons and a daily average of roughly 1,441,000 gallons.

"Total flow, 525,600,000 gallons through the plant," Wes said, and noted that the plant processed about 1,617,000 gallons of digested Class B solids that were dewatered — approximately 228 tons of dry material. Wes said treatment performance remains strong, citing suspended solids removal of about 94.5%, CBOD removal near 97.8% and ammonia removal of 98.6%; phosphorus removal was reported at about 90.9%.

Wes reviewed construction progress on the secondary‑treatment improvement project, showing photos of the demolition of old tankage, foundation and rebar work for new aeration and thickening tanks, and the new control and chemical buildings. He described the chemical building and two 5,000‑gallon alum tanks used for phosphorus coagulation and explained that the new design anticipates potential future regulatory tightening so additional nutrient treatment can be added without rebuilding tankage.

Wes said the current cost of treatment is roughly 2¢ per gallon, a number elevated this year because project costs are being folded into operating costs; he told council members the figure should decline as project spending subsides. On schedule, he suggested staff expect to move into the new control building in the first weeks of April and then continue demolition of older structures.

Council asked a few clarifying questions about solids disposal; Wes confirmed the dry material is being sent to the landfill. No formal action was required at the meeting.