Athens approves wastewater engineering contract

ATHENS — The Athens City Council unanimously approved a $2.25 million engineering contract with Plummer Associates, Inc. for the city’s West and North Wastewater Treatment Plants on Dec. 22. According to our news partner KETK, the agreement includes improving the city’s wastewater treatment plants through major electrical upgrades and designing a new 1,500-square-foot administration building, which will be needed to support future expansion.

The purchase of a trailer-mounted mechanical sludge dewatering system will be used by both treatment plants to remove excess water from sludge, making it easier and less costly to handle and transport, the City of Athens said. A storage area will be built to house the equipment when it is not in use later on. Construction costs for the project are not included in the contract and will require separate approval by the city council.