February 21, 2025

Chattanooga’s Wastewater Authority Secures $1.8 Million Ruling

News Summary

Chattanooga’s Wastewater Authority has won a significant legal battle, with a judge awarding $1.8 million after years of disputes. This victory comes as the city plans major upgrades to its Moccasin Bend Environmental Campus, including the installation of cutting-edge technologies aimed at enhancing wastewater treatment efficiency. Part of the initiative is the Class A Process Optimization for Wastewater Energy Recovery project, with a projected cost between $130 million and $150 million, partly funded by a federal WIFIA loan. These improvements aim to support Chattanooga’s broader sustainability goals, including compliance with environmental regulations.

Chattanooga’s Wastewater Authority Wins Big in Legal Dispute

Chattanooga is buzzing with some exciting news as a judge recently ruled in favor of Walker County’s Wastewater Authority in a long-standing legal dispute, awarding a hefty $1.8 million judgment. This decision marks a significant step in a complicated interstate legal battle that has lasted for several years, leaving many eager to see the outcome and what it means for the future of wastewater infrastructure in the area.

Major Upgrades on the Horizon for Moccasin Bend Environmental Campus

On top of that, the city is gearing up for some major upgrades at its Moccasin Bend Environmental Campus, which is the heart of Chattanooga’s wastewater operations. Plans are in full swing for a large-scale renovation designed to improve the city’s wastewater facilities significantly. A highlight of this upgrade is the installation of the world’s largest membrane-aerated biofilm reactor (MABR). This cutting-edge technology is expected to revolutionize how wastewater is treated, making the process more efficient and sustainable.

Who’s Leading the Charge?

Leading the charge on this ambitious project are two noteworthy players in the construction and engineering realm, Archer Western and Stantec. Together, they will be working on various aspects of the upgrade, which includes the implementation of Phase 1 of a Class A Process Optimization for Wastewater Energy Recovery (POWER) project alongside essential plant upgrades. This phase aims to significantly boost the facility’s performance and is set to be operational by December 2028.

Innovative Features to Enhance Efficiency

Among the innovative features slated for the upgrade, there will be a thermal hydrolysis process (THP) facility and enhancements to anaerobic digestion systems. The conversion of a high-purity oxygen facility into an MABR is another fascinating aspect of this project that promises to improve how the city handles its wastewater treatment.

Turning Waste into Energy

Not only that, but the project also aims to take waste-to-energy concepts to a new level. Waste-to-energy systems will convert organic solids found in wastewater into biogas, which can be used for on-site energy needs or sold as a substitute for natural gas. This forward-thinking initiative is expected to contribute to the city’s sustainability efforts while helping to maximize operational efficiency. The city looks forward to producing Class A biosolids, which are excellent for enriching soil and for generating steam and power within the facility.

Financial Framework for the Project

So, what’s it going to cost? The total expenses for the planned upgrades fall somewhere between $130 million and $150 million. Fortunately, funding is already in place thanks to a significant federal loan. The $186-million federal Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan, approved in 2022, will cover nearly 49% of the project costs. This funding will allow Chattanooga to enhance its wastewater facilities while anticipating annual savings of around $9 million—talk about a win-win!

The Bigger Picture

This upgrade is not just about improved aesthetics or efficiency; it’s part of Chattanooga’s larger vision dubbed the “Clear Chattanooga” initiative. The city is working hard to reduce sewer overflows, all while remaining compliant with a consent decree from April 2013, established with the EPA and the Tennessee Clean Water network. Overall, Chattanooga has committed approximately $784 million over several years to revamp its aging infrastructure and ensure a cleaner, more sustainable future for its residents.

With all these advancements on the horizon, it’s clear Chattanooga is taking substantial strides toward a greener and more efficient future. Exciting times lie ahead for the city and its citizens as they gear up for a transformation that promises to benefit everyone!

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Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER

The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.

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