CHENEY – Construction on a new addition to the city wastewater treatment plant is underway.
The final filtration building, a component of the city’s public works network, aims to reduce stress on the system.
The project traces back to 2006 when the city was contemplating addressing its water challenges.
After years of strategic planning, the project started moving forward in 2017.
Public Works Manager Dan Ferguson said a lot of planning that went into the process.
He said the total project cost of $21 million, with the filtration building accounting for more than $8 million.
Cheney has been fortunate in securing $16.3 million in grants to support the initiative, Ferguson said.
“We’re actively seeking additional grant opportunities to cover the remaining costs,” Ferguson said. “The Department of Commerce has already given a $10 million grant, complemented by an additional $4.5 million in infrastructure grants.”
The project is significance for the city as it marks the initiation of the “purple pipe project,” a comprehensive plan to enhance city water use and management.
“The purple pipe project is our approach to creating a sustainable water future,” Ferguson said. “This filtration building is the first step.”
The system involves diverting incoming wastewater to the filtration building, where it undergoes filtering and disinfection.
Subsequently, the treated water is redirected through the city, providing a sustainable source for irrigation in schools and parks.
Ferguson emphasized the positive impact on residential customers, noting that by segregating irrigation water from the general supply, residents can rest assured that domestic water needs will be more reliable.
This strategic approach aligns with the city’s broader efforts to address water challenges while fostering environmental sustainability.
The construction of the filtration building is projected to be completed by next December.
Matthew graduated from West Virginia University-Parkersburg in 2011 with a journalism degree. He's an award-winning photographer and enjoys writing stories about people.
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