While a lot of local discussion focuses on the prospects of a new data center at Emporia’s western edge, some city officials are looking ahead to a major potential project they say is needed, regardless of whether the data center is built.
Water Treatment Plant Manager Jack Mason recently gave KVOE News reporters a tour of the facility, which combines technology and equipment — dating back in some cases to the 1940s — to give Emporians, businesses and external customers in Lyon and surrounding counties top-quality water. Mason says the plant is delivering on that goal despite a series of challenges on the equipment side — challenges he says became apparent as soon as he took over his role 4 years ago. Mason came on board during a high-turbidity, or cloudiness, incident at the plant.
Mason says an adjustment from alum to ferric chloride solved the immediate issues — but Simmons Pet Food’s decision to increase its water consumption, also during Mason’s initial probation period, changed the flow through the plant while increasing turbidity and causing plant administrators to have more chemical adjustments for the water. Challenges begin at the start of the process, pre-sediment removal, and continue through final discharge — putting a lot of stress on the plant’s filters.
The Emporia City Commission is considering three potential projects to improve facilities: a “heavy rehabilitation” costing around $74 million; a retrofit costing around $85 million; or a new plant at over $135 million. Of the three main options, Mason is firmly behind a brand-new plant.
Mason also says a new plant should be expandable, based on Emporia’s water needs.
Both Mason and City Communications Manager Christine Torrens stress the fact Emporia continues to exceed state standards for water quality, despite the structural “degradation” issues currently in place.
Based on current projections, Mason says land would not be an issue for a new plant built for a 50-year plan, although he did not say where a new plant could be built. The city currently taps the Neosho River for its water flow, but it has water rights for the Cottonwood River as well. Treated wastewater could also be considered later.
When this went public in early May, City Manager Trey Cocking said a combination option could unfold. Cocking also says the city has several items to address with the overall plan, including affordability.
At that time, Burns and McDonnell Client Coordinator Jake White says his company looked at several different components before developing options.
Decisions may not be made for months yet and funding sources are still being determined.
Photos by Christine Torrens/City of Emporia
