Wastewater Treatment Plant Project
Quick Information
A one-sheet summary of this project is available here.
Image of the construction of the plant taken in July, 2023.
History
The original wastewater treatment facility was constructed in 1941. There have been improvements to the plant since that time, primarily in 1956, where there was a plant expansion, and the installation of plant effluent disinfection facilities in 1968. In 1980 the plant was expanded to treat a larger daily flow. Since 1980 the Village has invested in additional components specifically an updated effluent pump station and UV disinfection facility.
Plans / Studies
The Village has undertaken multiple studies of the plant to provide guidance on how to improve or replace the system.
Chosen Option / Design
After review by the Council, Alternative 1 was chosen to move forward for formal RFP and bidding in July, 2021.
The potential engineering estimate cost for the Alternative 1 option in 2021 was $14,000,001. Council was shown multiple financing options for consideration as well as additional discussion on rates and likely increases.
Public Participation / Public Input
- Wastewater Plant PER
- February 1, 2021 – Village Council Meeting – Public discussion about the WWTP and approval of Resolution R05-21 which authorized the Village Administrator to enter into an agreement to update the Wastewater plant PER.
- Wastewater Plant Options / Design
- June 28, 2021 – Village Council Meeting – Public discussion about the WWTP and moving forward with the design.
- June 30, 2021 – WHIO TV segment on the proposed changes including discussion about additional public participation at the next Council meeting in July. https://www.whio.com/news/local/covington-council-moving-forward-with-wa...
- July 19, 2021 – Village Council Meeting - Village Council passed resolution R29-21 which authorized the Village Administrator to solicit bids for RFP services to design a new wastewater treatment plant.
- Wastewater Design Funding
- January 31, 2022 – Village Council Meeting - Village Council passed resolution R07-22 which authorized the Village Administrator to enter into an agreement related to the WPCLF Design Loan.
- Wastewater Design / Construction
- May 31, 2022 – Village Council Meeting - Village Council pass resolution R21-22 adopting the 2022 Strategic Plan, which had additional public comment periods related to it. The 2022 Strategic Plans notes 5 priorities for the Village, one of which includes the Wastewater Treatment Facility.
- July 18, 2022 – Village Council Meeting - Public Discussion about the Wastewater Treatment Facility plans, designs, and financial options. Large boards were placed within the Government Center with drawings and information for review by the public.
- August 1, 2022 – Village Council Meeting – Continued public discussion about the Wastewater Treatment Facility plans, designs, and financial options.
- August 10, 2022 – Village Public Meeting – Maps, designs, financial plans were put in the Government Center and advertised to allow for additional final public input on the project. Comments were collected from the public. Sign-in sheet is attached.
- August 15, 2022 – Village Council Meeting – Discussion on the public meeting of August 10 related to the WWTP and sharing of feedback related to the plans.
- December 19, 2022 - Village Council Meeting - Public Discussion on WPCLF funding and potential rate increases.
- March 13, 2023 - Village Council Meeting - Ord. 07-23 - Accepting bid for Construction of Wastewater Treatment Facility.
- Construction (subject to change)
- May, 2023 - Notice to Proceed was granted.
- May - June, 2023 - The Big Dig! Site demolition, temporary roadways, bulk undercut, and stone fill.
- July - November, 2023 - SBR Construction
- September - December, 2023 - Headworks Building Construction
- November, 2023 - May, 2024 - Blower & Sludge Dewatering Building Construction
- November, 2023 - July, 2024 - Administration Building Construction
- December, 2023 - May, 2024 - Bridge Street Pump Station Construction
- February - May, 2024 - Wright Street Pump Station Construction
- July, 2024 - Begin transition to new plant
- October, 2024 - Open new plant
- Wastewater rate increases / WPCLF related to construction costs
- January 9, 2023 - Village Council Meeting - Ord. 01-23 - First Reading - Public Discussion on Rules and Regulations for Water / Sewer.
- January 23, 2023 - Village Council Meeting - Ord. 01-23 - Second Reading - Public Discussion on proposed rate increases related to the cost of the plant.
- March 13, 2023 - Village Council Meeting - Ord. 01-23 - Third Reading - Public Discussion on rate increases related to cost of the plant.
- March 13, 2023 - Village Council Meeting - Resolution R07-23 - Acceptance of bid for construction of Wastewater Treatment Facility.
Funding / Grants / Loan Obligations
In 2021, the Village applied for HB 168 funding through the State of Ohio, but was not fortunate enough to receive any funding during the initial first three rounds. The Village worked to complete the design, completed the EPA approved PTI and applied to the WPCLF program through Ohio EPA. This program provides loan forgiveness, low or zero interest loans, and other support. The Village was ranked as the #2 project in the State of Ohio and awarded $4,000,000 in loan forgiveness along with a hardship rate reduction and a nutrient reduction credit.
Costs
- Bid Cost for Construction of Plant - $18,791,716
- Required Contingency (5%) - $920,386
- Additional Costs (Design) - $1,181,785
- Total Cost - $20,893,887
Funding
- ARPA Funds / Village Funds Budgeted - $384,000
- WPCLF Loan Forgiveness - $4,000,000
- Total Loan Needed: $16,581,672.
- $10,453,482.60 - 1% Hardship Community Loan Rate
- Potential Reduction for WRRSP Support (TBD)
- $6,148,800 - 0% Nutrient Reduction Credit
- $10,453,482.60 - 1% Hardship Community Loan Rate
- Estimated Annual Payments (30 years): $610,012
Current Development Timeline (Tentative based on Funding Approvals)
- Design of WWTP – January – August, 2022 - COMPLETED
- Ohio EPA Review – May – August, 2022 - COMPLETED
- Apply for WPCLF Funding - August, 2022 - COMPLETED
- WPCLF Funding Award - January, 2023 - COMPLETED
- Advertise Bid for Construction of WWTP - COMPLETED
- Begin Construction, April / May, 2023 - COMPLETED
- Complete Construction – October, 2024