Wastewater issue could cost Youngstown $147M

YOUNGSTOWN —The city could be facing $147 million in costs to upgrade its wastewater treatment system to meet U.S. EPA requirements.

Available options were discussed at today’s meeting of the city’s finance committee. Each option would create additional cost for the city and likely result in an increase in city residents’ wastewater bills.

The Environmental Protection Agency wants the city to complete three projects within 13 years, said

Daniel Markowitz, principal scientist and certified projection manager from Arcadis, a company that does infrastructure work and is advising the city.

These involve $37 million in upgrades to the treatment plant; a new wet-weather facility to deal with heavier rain that would cost $62 million; and a $48 million interceptor that would keep wastewater from flowing into Mill Creek Park.

If the city follows the EPA timeline, city residents’ cost for wastewater treatment would increase by 5 percent a year for 10 years, he said.

For the complete story, read Tuesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com