City of Byron to Undertake Reconstruction of its Wastewater Treatment Plant
The City of Byron Public Works Department will be undertaking a major reconstruction of its Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). This project began in 2021 with a Facilities Planning Study/Report which ultimately resulted in the City Council’s decision to undertake the reconstruction.
The Wastewater Treatment Plant was originally constructed pre-1960. Although there have been additions and upgrades through the years, some components date back to the 1920’s. Most of the facilities are beyond their expected operational life. Some segments of the plant no longer function correctly and are bypassed, or they have failed completely and are unsafe. In consultation with the city’s engineering firm, and after considering all options available, the City Council voted to reconstruct the plant to best meet the current and future needs of the City. Reconstruction will provide for greater reliability, energy efficiency, and enhanced levels of treatment that will ensure that the plant is compliant with current and expected future Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) requirements. The plan will incorporate components of the sewer plant that still have usable life. This is a multiyear project with construction expected to begin in the summer of 2023 and be completed and fully operational in 2027.
The estimated cost of the reconstruction is $14,469,000. In order to finance the project, the city has applied for a 30 year low interest loan (0.83%) from the IEPA. The city should also qualify for 15% principal loan forgiveness. The additional debt service will require that the city increase water and sewer rates, and users can expect to see steady annual increases. Water and sewer rates are set by ordinance and are based on the current number of users and average use. Changes in the number of users as well as changes in water usage, require that rates be reviewed annually and adjusted up or down, if necessary, to ensure the city’s ability to pay the debt service on the loan and maintain an appropriate reserve.
Water and Sewer Rate Increases:
First 2,000 Gallons Rate per 1,000 gallons after first 2,000 gallons
5/1/21-4/30/22 $29.72 $ 9.16
5/1/22-4/30/23 $30.29 $12.00
5/1/23-4/30/24 $30.90 $14.90
5/1/24-4/30/25 $31.52 $15.20
5/1/25-4/30/26 $38.47 $15.66 $10.00/month capital improvement fee eliminated
5/1/26-4/30/27 $39.62 $16.13
5/1/27-4/30/28 $40.81 $16.61
5/1/28-4/30/29 $42.03 $17.11
5/1/29-4/30/30 $43.29 $17.62
5/1/30-4/30/31 $44.59 $18.15
5/1/31-4/30/32 $45.93 $18.69
Below, please find a summary of current monthly charges for users from 2,000 gallons per month up to 6,000 gallons per month:
For Fiscal Year 5/1/21-4/30/22 (Current Rates)
Monthly Gallons Used Expected Monthly Bill
2000 $29.72
3000 $38.88
4000 $48.04
5000 $57.20
6000 $66.36