From the Glenwood Springs Post Independent (John Stroud):
Initial lab tests had indicated the plant may already be at 85 percent capacity, but the tests were inconsistent, according to an engineers report presented at the Dec. 22 Carbondale Board of Trustees meeting. A problem was detected that was believed to have resulted in the higher readings, and subsequent tests indicate the plant is actually at about 55 percent capacity, the report indicated. As a result, “The present plant will be capable of treating present and future growth flows for the next five to 10 years as a result of these interim improvements,” the report stated. Also reinforcing the town’s decision to proceed with the plant upgrades rather than a new plant at this point was an engineer’s determination that the quality of the water coming out of the plant and going into the river is better than most treatment plants in the area, Baker said. Another factor working in the town’s favor to extend the life of the existing plant is a decrease in demand on the facility, and lower costs for some of the work related to the economy, he said…
Approximately $123,000 worth of work was done on the plant this year, mostly to address an odor problem that became noticeable around the north end of town and in nearby unincorporated Satank last winter. So far this winter, the odor has not returned. The $1.7 million worth of upgrades will be able to be paid for out of the town’s existing wastewater fund, which had a $3.9 million fund balance going into 2009. Town trustees have also been considering an increase in tap fees for new development as a way to pay for an update to Carbondale’s 14-year-old water and wastewater master plan, which would help determine when exactly a new treatment plant would be needed.
More wastewater coverage here.