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Loan: $250,000 |
Outline of Need: The City of Fairview received funding for a wastewater project from Rural Development in March 2001. Since that time, the community decided to enhance their project by utilizing a more advanced micro-filtration sewer treatment plant to be constructed near the San Pitch River. The community has limited repayment ability to offset this change. Their projected sewer rates exceed those in similar communities. In addition, the community could not feasibly reduce costs by negotiations, redesign, and use of bid alternatives, or by other means. |
How Rural Development Helped:
USDA Rural Development approved a loan of $250,000 and a grant of $300,000 for additional costs needed to construct this micro-filtration system. We have leveraged funding with the Permanent Community Impact Board, Utah Department of Water Quality, Environmental Protection Agency and a contribution from the city for a total funding package of approximately $7.6 million. The new system eliminates the concerns expressed by many of the city residents regarding the use and location of lagoon treatment sites.
One site was suggested near the city Cemetery. Residents were concerned about the odor of a sewer lagoon near their cemetery, which would make it an "unpleasant" place to visit. At another site, there were concerns that the land application would adversely affect several springs located near there, at least one of which was used for drinking water. Mechanical treatment options were not considered feasible due to the relatively high operating costs for complicated mechanical treatment processes. The community also explored an option in forming a Regionalized System. The idea was discarded when neighboring communities failed to support it.
Selection of the micro-filtration treatment plant will require less than 5 acres of property including roads and parking lots and will have a significantly reduced impact on farmland. A total containment lagoon system would require 120 acres and would need additional land to expand after the planning period.
The Results:
Prior to this project, the city had limited expansion of new home construction as public sewer was not available. Once the wastewater system is completed, it is projected that this community will grow, and more affordable housing will be available to its rural residents.
A resulting benefit to the community is that more land will be preserved for development. This area offers a magnificent view of the valley and the mountains to the east. Power, water and sewer services can be provided to the residents relatively inexpensively from the City's systems.
Effluent from the proposed micro-filtration treatment plant will require only disinfection to be reused or discharged directly to the river. The effluent will not degrade the San Pitch River water quality or adversely affect the abundant animal or plant habitat that depend on it.
Overall, this project will assist residents in disposing of their waste in a clean, safe and economical manner, insuring a better quality of life.
Pictured, above: (L to R) Terrel Dunn, Utah Rural Water Association; Bonnie Carrig, USDA Rural Development; Utilities Programsty Bench, Fairview Mayor Pro Temp; Kammy Tucker, Fairview City Treasurer; Glen Vernon, Fairview City Administrator.
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