News Summary

Following recent heavy rains, the Chattanooga City Council confirmed the sewer system’s adequacy but acknowledged areas needing improvement. Councilwoman Jenny Hill advocates for revisiting enhancement proposals while discussing decentralized systems. Major upgrades to the Moccasin Bend Environmental Campus are planned, including the world’s largest membrane-aerated biofilm reactor. Expected completion by December 2028, funding includes a significant federal loan. Stricter regulations for decentralized systems are also being introduced as the council aims to protect public health and the environment.

Chattanooga City Council Addresses Flooding and Wastewater Management Improvements Amid Recent Heavy Rains

Chattanooga City Council has confirmed that the city’s sewer system handled recent heavy flooding adequately. This comes in response to intense rainfall that has led to flooding in various populated areas, particularly in Hixson and East Brainerd, as well as East Ridge near a local Family Dollar store. However, Councilwoman Jenny Hill pointed out that there are still problematic areas within the sewer system that require attention and improvement.

Ongoing Improvements and Future Plans

In the wake of the recent flooding, Councilwoman Hill plans to revisit proposals aimed at enhancing the sewer system. Ongoing discussions concerning the effectiveness of decentralized sewer systems in Hamilton County, as well as throughout Tennessee, are also contributing to the conversation. Decentralized sewer systems are designed to facilitate larger developments in regions that lack traditional sewer access or where existing systems are at capacity.

Major Upgrades to Wastewater Facilities

The Moccasin Bend Environmental Campus in Chattanooga is set to receive substantial upgrades to its wastewater facilities. Among these upgrades is a plan for the world’s largest membrane-aerated biofilm reactor (MABR), coupled with a new Class A Process Optimization for Wastewater Energy Recovery (POWER) project. Archer Western Construction has been selected as the lead contractor for the project, with Stantec responsible for the design and engineering aspects.

Projected Completion Timeline

These facility upgrades are expected to be operational by December 2028. The new systems envisioned will implement advanced processes like thermal hydrolysis and anaerobic digestion, which aim to increase the efficiency of wastewater treatment significantly. Upon completion, the facility will produce Class A biosolids to be used as soil additives, as well as generate biogas for energy production.

Financial Overview and Funding Sources

The estimated total cost for these upgrades ranges between $130 million and $150 million. Nearly half of this amount, approximately 49%, will be funded through a $186 million federal loan. This project is an integral part of Chattanooga’s Clear Chattanooga initiative, which seeks to diminish instances of sewer overflows and ensure compliance with a consent decree from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that dates back to 2013. Under this decree, the city has committed to investing a total of $784 million in various upgrades and improvements to the sewer system.

Regulatory Landscape for Decentralized Systems

In light of recent regulatory updates in Hamilton County, there are now stricter requirements in place for decentralized sewer systems. These new regulations may lead to reduced density in certain developments, as the effectiveness of these systems is scrutinized amidst environmental concerns. The debate continues, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive solutions that ensure both public health and environmental sustainability.

Conclusion

As Chattanooga navigates the challenges posed by heavy rainfall and flooding, the City Council is actively pursuing improvements to the sewer system and wastewater facilities. With substantial funding allocated and significant projects on the horizon, the city aims to bolster its infrastructure and safeguard its residents against future flooding and wastewater management issues.

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Chattanooga’s Wastewater Authority Secures $1.8 Million Ruling
Chattanooga Approves $30 Million Budget Reallocation

Additional Resources

• News Channel 9
• Wikipedia: Water Management
• Times Free Press
• Google Search: Chattanooga sewer system
• ENR
• Google Scholar: Wastewater Management Chattanooga
• Times Free Press
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Sanitary Engineering
• WDEF

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.