Sewer increase slated by aldermen for Ash Grove residents

February 3 election to decide new price; bond passage would ease imminent hike in rates
 
Residents of Ash Grove will soon see an increase on their sewer rates one way or another, with an election set for Feb. 3.
The city of Ash Grove has put a revenue bond on the ballot for the upcoming election that will look to fund capital improvements to the city’s wastewater collection facility and the wastewater treatment facility. If voters approve the measure, the city will apply for a Missouri Department of Natural Resources State Revolving Fund and potentially be awarded a Water Quality Incentive Grant for collection system rehabilitation, according to a document released by the city. This is the best option, but if the measure is not approved, the up-to-$1.75 million needed will have to be paid for via lease-purchase financing, a much more expensive option.
Average bill
Per the documents distributed by the city, the average residential bill is $32.50 per month at 5,000 gallons. With the State Revolving Fund, that price will increase by $9 to $15.50. Without the fund, the price would increase by $20.
The improvements are badly needed, as extensive testing required that many key pieces of the system need replacing. In the collection system, multiple manholes had broken or misaligned frames and covers, and three had hydrogen sulfide corrosion.
The wastewater treatment facility requires multiple replacement parts, as much of the equipment is decades old and near the expected end of life. The flow meter is more than 25 years old and needs replacement. In the oxidation ditch, baffles are needed to prevent what documents describe as standing waves. Many components of the clarifiers are more than 25 years old as well, with the west clarifier’s drive assembly at the end of its life expectancy. Other metal clarifier parts are badly corroded. Two submersible pumps and an aging control panel need to be replaced at the sludge pump system.
Possible improvements for city
Proposed improvements at Headworks, the part of the plant where raw sewage first arrives, include the installation of new metering equipment and a modification of the existing bypass barrier arrangement to prevent bypassing of peak flows.
Proposed improvements at the oxidation ditch include the installation of flow control barriers and the repair of deteriorated concrete structures.
The clarifiers will have multiple components refurbished by sandblasting and repainting; they are also proposed to replace multiple pipes and barriers with stainless steel.
The ultraviolet disinfection system is proposed to have an extension to its current concrete structure and the installation of a serpentine weir to replace the current components. The effluent flow meter is also on the table for replacement, as are defective electrical components.
The sludge pump system could be getting a new control panel to manage pump cycling with a spare pump stated as a minimum requirement.
Proposed improvements for the outfall sewer and discharge structure include the removal and replacement of displaced concrete aprons and a relief outfall sewer to remain prepared for flooding.
The document states that these improvements to the system will help to protect businesses, homes and public health. It is up to citizens, however, to approve the measure and prevent an even bigger increase on their bill than is necessary.