The Bremen Town Council members opened a public hearing Monday afternoon to take public comments on the newly proposed Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Ken Jones from Jones Petrie and Rafinski explained that the current plant dates back to 1964 and is antiquated to meet certain current requirements. The new plant would feature up-to-date technology and the town could better meet compliance needs.
He stressed that the current plant would remain online while the new plant is being constructed right next door. The current plant would be decommissioned once the new plant is operating. The construction is expected to start in Spring of 2023.
The cost of the new plant would be about $16.1 million. Three new buildings will be featured including a maintenance building; a control, chemical feed and blower building; and sludge storage structure. Other additions include UV post aeration, a chemical feed tank, sludge drying bed improvements, a storm water pump station, and new effluent outfall to the Yellow River, among others. The interceptor sewer will also be upgraded.
Jones indicated that rates should increase, but a rate will not be set until funding can be finalized for the project and bids for the project are opened and accepted. The rate could increase anywhere from $16 to $29 a month. Jones said the town officials are doing what they can to find grants to help offset the cost to the town and to the residents. They are looking at State Water Infrastructure Fund grant, a USDA grant, State Revolving Loan, and others. Information about the grants will be provided later this summer and fall.
Members of the public inquired about rate changes and how the project would be funded.
The Preliminary Engineering Report for the new plant is available at the Bremen Town Hall or on JPR’s website.
