The City of Twin Falls released recommendations today for the most cost-effective solutions to the City’s wastewater infrastructure shortfalls, which threatens to curb residential, commercial and industrial growth.
The recommendations in the facilities plan outline a multi-phase approach to upgrading the City’s wastewater treatment capabilities to accommodate near-term growth and ensure that the City does not face similar shortfalls over the long-term.
The first phase of the facilities plan proposes to nearly double the capacity of the wastewater treatment plant within the first two years by constructing a more efficient treatment system known as Integrated Fixed-film Activated Sludge (IFAS). The treatment method is more cost-friendly and environmentally sound than traditional methods, and one that is being adopted by more City’s trying to accommodate growth—such as Bend, Ore. and Cheyenne, Wyo.
“This recommendation will allow for sustainable growth and equip our community with one of the most modern and environmentally friendly treatment methods,” said Travis Rothweiler, Manager of the City of Twin Falls. “This is important for future generations by encouraging growth and prosperity, while also protecting our natural resources.”
To develop the facilities plan, City engineers worked with CH2MHill, which operates the wastewater treatment plant, to identify long-term solutions to wastewater infrastructure shortfalls. Engineers from both organizations evaluated several possible solutions, later identifying the IFAS system as being the most cost friendly for the City of Twin Falls.
The next step in the process will be for the committee to decide if it will adopt the recommendations. If the committee approves the recommendations, it will need to identify financing options to pay for the upgrades. The estimated cost of the plan is $32.3 million, which would likely constitute a 30 percent increase for all users—both residential and industrial. That would mean an increase of about $5.21 per month per residential user.