Construction crews have broken ground for the new Clintonville wastewater treatment facility, as the recent weather has forced some delay. Water and Wastewater Treatment Manager Dave Tichinel says they’ll be tearing out the sledge tank that’s at the airport now and putting it on site.
“Now that we will have that on site, it will prevent that pipeline from freezing up in the winter, and allow up to keep better track with what is going on” said Tichinel.
An in-fluent building is being constructed at the head of the plant, which Tichinel explains will help have the wastewater treatment plant run more efficiently.
“That will have a screen to remove all debris and get rid of it up front” said Tichinel. The facility’s construction is an extensive project, as it has also seen its share of delays. The last upgrade from the plant was roughly 30 years ago, which according to Tichinel is about the life expectancy of the pumps and controls. He adds with these necessary projects, it’s helpful to secure grants to help fund them.
“We did obtain a ten million dollar grant to help with this project and you get a percentage in forgiven loans.”
The city determined to do a 30-year payback if not sooner. In total the city will receive $2.4 million of the grant in free money.