By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
While there is certainty Whitewater will receive a new wastewater treatment facility in the near future, questions about some of the components within the project continue to permeate.
After a year marked with study, debate and analysis, the Common Council capped off 2015 with a plan in motion to allocate $20.7 million toward upgrading the city’s wastewater treatment facility, but there were a few looming questions — most notably a so-called high-strength waste receiving station.
Officials on March 1 reviewed some components of the receiving station, but opted to hold off on any firm decisions until the next meeting March 15.
Assistant City Manager Chris McDonell came before the council at its most recent meeting and brought forward a $52,000 proposal, known colloquially as Alternative No. 7, for the receiving station, but it was nixed on a 5-2 vote.
The council’s vote does not mean the receiving station component of the project is gone, however. A new proposal, in full or part, could come forward.
As proposed, the receiving station could potentially serve as an income generator for the city as waste from other municipalities and companies is processed.
Speaking to the receiving station, McDonell said, “This improvement will allow high-strength waste from outside sources to be pumped into existing city digesters.”
The council’s rejection of Alternative No. 7 in its proposed state was based, in part, on a belief a company with expertise in high-strength waste should have a role in bringing forward this component of the project.
As part of the council’s motion, a representative from accounting firm Baker Tilly is slated to make a presentation next week and discuss finance options.
On the whole, the wastewater treatment facility is considered beyond its useful life. It was built in 1982 and had a 20-year life expectancy.
