The City of Moline has announced its expansion to the city’s wastewater treatment facility, and city leaders say the new plant will not only improve how wastewater is treated but also will be more environmentally friendly than it was before.
“We have an aged plant and the infrastructure itself is riddled with problems. (We have) equipment that can’t be replaced and we’re cobbling together because you can’t buy it any longer,” said Bob Vitas, Moline city administrator.
But that doesn’t mean the old plant will go away.
“We’re actually combining two wastewater treatment processes into one, so it will allow us to be more efficient in our operations,” said Laura Pigatti Williamson, Moline director of utilities.
The project will be fully funded through a loan from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA).
“The total project with everything included is a $133 million investment. Construction alone is $120 million,” said Williamson. “This was made possible through a low-interest loan through the IEPA.”
But even with all the construction, the water flow in residents’ homes will stay the same.
“The city has proactively planned to ensure that we can continue to flush our toilets, and we can drain our sinks and tubs,” Williamson said. “And I know it sounds easy, and most people think it is. It’s a silent service we all think we can do, but it’s a testimony today what’s really involved in making that happen.”
And if residents are concerned about utility bills, the city says it will not be hiking prices anymore.
“There has been a gradual increase into our utility rates. Council has been very forward thinking so that these are not huge increases, but very moderate increases,” said Williamson.
When it is completed, it will be the largest infrastructure investment in the history of Moline.
“We’ve just had a groundbreaking ceremony for what will be the largest project that the city has ever undertaken,” said Vitas.
Construction on the new plant will begin in October and is expected to be completed in 2029.