An almost $5 million project has recently commenced to upgrade the sewage treatment plant just south of Brighton.

Mayor Melvin Rich says the improvements were mandated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) after it was discovered the plant was discharging too much ammonia. He says the project will address that problem, add new systems to treat E. coli, and install a submerged attached growth reactor system to their aerated lagoon.

The project has been planned for several years, but was further delayed when COVID-19 forced the city to hold off letting bids for the upgrades until last fall. Rich says the improvements will cost about $4.6 million with engineering services bringing the total bill to almost $5 million. The city has received help covering the cost with a $2 million grant and a $2.3 million loan from the USDA and a $300,000 Community Development Block Grant from the State of Iowa.

Even with the delays, Rich says the project will be completed before the DNR deadline this fall although the city has filed for an extension due to the delays brought on by the pandemic. He says residents should see no disruption in service.