Dundee considers wastewater options

Apr 05, 2022 at 08:00 pm by Observer-Review


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Dundee considers wastewater options

DUNDEE--As building costs continue to skyrocket, Dundee village officials are trying to remain flexible as preparations are made to construct a new wastewater treatment and compost facility. Part of the plan is to construct the compost facility first instead of last and to have contingencies as it relates to the wastewater treatment facility.
"The original estimate was $9 million for everything," said Dundee Mayor Fred Cratsley. "Now we are at $15 million. So the entire project is going to be done a little backward with the compost facility first not last, which is mainly due to the fact that the cost of the wastewater treatment plant went up 50 percent."
As the costs have gone up, it has meant the village has explored additional funding opportunities.
"We have applied for more grants to help us offset the cost increase," Cratsley explained.
And if more money isn't obtained, contingency plans will have to be implemented.
"If the village doesn't receive more grant money we will have to go to Plan B which is to upgrade the plant we have," Cratsley added.
Regardless of what happens with the wastewater treatment plant, a new compost facility will be built.
In regards to the proposed wastewater treatment plant, Cratsley said the village is waiting for clarification that could come any day now.
"We are waiting on the United States Department of Agriculture to finalize their numbers and give them to us and then we can know which project we can go forward with," said Cratsley.
Currently, the village has obtained $4 million in grants which will cover the new compost facility and new equipment for the treatment plant whether it's the new plant or the current one refurbished.
"The USDA has had it on their side for the last four to six months," Cratsley explained. "The completion of the project itself, if we were to know the financials, is about an 18-month project."
While the hope is that everything will work out and the project will go forward, Cratsley said he and other board members have no intention of losing sight of the financials.
"This has taken as long as it has because we are looking out for the taxpayer," said Cratsley.
Regardless of whether it is a new plant or a refurbished one an upgrade is necessary.
"First and foremost this will give us a better handle and control on what we discharge through streams to Seneca Lake," stated Cratsley. "That is the first priority, making sure we are helping the ecosystem. The second benefit is that a new plant will give us better opportunities for industries to come into Dundee. This is important infrastructure."

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