May 24, 2012 Ready to go with the flow Weber wastewater treatment plant's renovation allows room for growth By JaNAE FRANCIS Standard-Examiner staff jfrancis@standard.net MARRIOTT-SLATERVILLE — For those wondering what it would take to get a large group of grown-ups excited about a sewer, the answer came Wednesday. That was the day for the ribbon- cutting on a $128 million upgrade to the Central Weber Sewer Improvement District. The five-year project culminated in an up-to-code and expanded wastewater treatment plant at 2618 W Pioneer Road. "We're basically so excited because it's an expansion that's long overdue," said Mark Allen, mayor of Washington Terrace and the chairman of the board at the district. Allen said he is thrilled about the new technology in the facility. "The EPA comes down with new and more stringent regulations every day," he said. "We've got all the newest processes, and we can keep up with the federal mandates. "That's one of the most important things. We will be within our limits." Allen said those who are paying sewer user fees should be glad to see what they've been paying for with increased fees. "We want to let everybody know, this is what your rate increases are going for," said Harrisville Mayor Richard Hendrix. "We've raised the rates in Harrisville three times. Other towns are still raising them." Wednesday's celebration brought mayors and city employees from across the county, as well as others who have a special interest in the sewer expansion. West Haven Mayor Brian Melaney, a member of the district's board, said the new facility will handle the expected growth in the area for many years to come. A news release from the district said the wastewater treatment plant went into operation at its current location in 1957 with a rated capacity of 45 million gallons per day. The completion of the current project brings Above, waste-carrying pipes are clearly marked in the Central Weber Wastewater Treatment Plant in Marriott-Slaterville. At left, clarifier ponds sit empty at the plant on Wednesday, waiting to begin treating wastewater for Weber County households and businesses. KERA WILLIAMS Standard-Examiner the plant's average daily flow capacity up to 70 million gallons per day. Officials state that the new capacity allows the district to accommodate the area's projected 2025 population, while complying with current EPA and state of Utah regulatory requirements. Another reason to celebrate, Allen said, is cost savings. "We just found out that it came in at $128 million," Allen said, noting 57