Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

WL expanding its wastewater treatment plant

West Lafayette has state approval to expand its wastewater treatment plant. The facility will add a fifth aeration tank this year.

Utilities Director Dave Henderson says the new unit will increase capacity and allow the plant to handle up to 10.5 million gallons of wastewater per day.

"We can take in more homes, more businesses [with the expansion]. We're sort of limited because 90% of our capacity is being used right now. We need to look at ways to increase our capacity. That's what we've done here, so we'll be ready for development if that picks up in the new year.”

He says the city does not have any specific plans for development, but notes it's just a matter of time.

"Arbor Chase is starting to fill up. There are still some areas in Lauren Lakes to fill out with homes. But we're getting to the point where somebody is going to have to look at a new area to develop for additional homes, so we want to be ahead of the curve and accommodate that."

This year’s budget has two-million dollars set aside for the project. Henderson says bids for the project should go out next month with the construction beginning as soon as the weather allows.