Starkville Plans $8.9 Million Upgrade to Wastewater Treatment Plant Amid Growing Population Challenges

Starkville’s Wastewater Treatment Plant Set for Major Upgrades

In Starkville, excitement is in the air as the city gears up for some much-needed improvements to its wastewater infrastructure. After ongoing challenges with its sewage systems, the community can finally look forward to the installation of new aerators at the Ernest E. Jones Wastewater Treatment Plant, set to kick off in the spring of 2025.

A New Beginning

Starkville Utilities announced that the city has contracted Hemphill Construction of Richland for this significant project, which comes with a price tag of $8.9 million. This endeavor is part of a larger vision projecting nearly $92 million in improvements over the next two decades. It’s all part of a broader push to modernize Starkville’s water infrastructure, addressing the pressures that have come with a growing population.

Why These Improvements Matter

Discussions have emphasized the pressing issues that prompted these changes. “We already knew the aerators were an issue, because even as we were doing studies the existing aerators had failed,” it was noted. Starkville has felt the strain on its wastewater systems, especially with a nearly 60% increase in population since the plant was built in 1979. The plant, which has a capacity of handling five million gallons daily, was simply not equipped to keep up with community growth.

A Costly Lesson

The path to improvement has not been without hurdles. Starkville invested almost $8 million trying to enhance the plant’s aerators, working with a group of four companies that ultimately ended in disappointment when their installations failed. Unfortunately, the issues couldn’t be resolved, leading to a lawsuit against those companies. The city has been awaiting its day in court, but the need for action couldn’t wait any longer. Therefore, this new installation is moving forward despite the ongoing legal matters.

What’s Next?

The upcoming construction will fully remove the nonfunctional aerators from the previous project, with installation expected to take between nine months to a year. Residents could see the new aerators up and running by the winter or spring of 2026. While construction takes place, temporary aerators are currently in use, but they only allow for an additional 100,000 gallons per day, limiting the system’s growth capacity.

Funding the Future

Starkville’s funding for these improvements includes the initial $7 million for the aerators financed through bonds, with plans to authorize another $8 million in bonds, along with an additional $2 million from the county. This financial planning aims to address current issues and prepare for future needs.

Electrical Upgrades: The Heart of the Plant

The electrical improvements are just as vital as the aerator installations. The electrical systems act as the “nerve center” of the entire treatment operation. These upgrades will ensure the plant can function smoothly amid growing demands over the next 40 years. Backup systems, including a generator, will keep the plant operational during power outages.

Conclusion

As Starkville moves forward with these upgrades, there is optimism about the future of wastewater management systems. Achieving reliable, effective wastewater treatment is crucial for maintaining community health and environmental standards. The journey has been challenging, but this new project offers a ray of hope for stronger infrastructure and a more sustainable Starkville.