The Perry City Council convened Wednesday morning for a special work session on the proposed improvements to the Waste Water Treatment Facility.

City Engineer Matt Ferrier of Bolton and Menk introduced the project, which has been in the works for five years. Senior Project Manager Greg Sindt then identified three key areas where the facility needed help, including: renovation of the plant; how the plant is performing compared to design standards; and a nutrient reduction strategy. Project Engineer Andrew Sindt then discussed the proposed improvements, and indicated there were three systems in particular that were critical areas: aeration diffusers, ultraviolet disinfection, and control systems. He also went over the state design requirements, saying Perry’s plant was well behind the current standards.

Greg Sindt then took the Council through the nutrient reduction strategy, which he said is becoming more critical every year to the Department of Natural Resources. Next, Financial Analyst Owen Gerard went over the cost summary and potential funding sources. The total project cost is estimated to be around $18 million. It would be paid through a State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan, and potentially a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). He also pointed out that the loan would affect water rates in Perry by increasing them on average by $6 per month for commercial and residential properties.

The Council made no decision at the meeting. If they decide to move forward with the plan, the plant reconstruction would be complete in June of 2021. To learn more about the project, listen to today’s Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program on air and at RaccoonValleyRadio.com.