WWTA finishes $23 million of sewer upgrades in ’20
The Hamilton County Water & Wastewater Treatment Authority (WWTA) completed nearly $23 million of projects during 2020 and has another $22.5 million of projects planned or under design this year.
“We have over 20 projects across Hamilton County that are in various stages of development,” said Michael Patrick, executive director for the WWTA. “Our team is especially focused on projects that will assist in making upgrades and rehabilitation to assist us in meeting infrastructure needs, especially in the traditional rainy season which we are in at this time. Sewer overflows lead to run-off and contamination in our area’s streams.”
The projects will assist the WWTA in attaining compliance with the agency’s consent decree agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that is anticipated to be executed later this year. Projects completed include the rehabilitation of the East Ridge Basin 10, upgrades to force main projects and pump stations in Ooltewah and projects in Red Bank.
Last year, the WWTA also refinanced bonds resulting in a savings of $519,629 and eliminated a $3.8 million balloon payment that would have come due at the end of the bond period, Patrick said.