PROGRESS IS GOING WELL AT WASTE WATER PLANT

Aerobic digester: This aerobic digester will hold 200,000 gallons and will also aide in lime stabilization. Jackson USA Signal/Mark Evans

Brickwork: This brick structure will house the control for the solid waste center's new additions. Jackson USA Signal/Mark Evans

Work is moving along smartly at the Jackson waste water plant. Part of a 1998 bond issue to improve city infrastructure, the work was viewed by city personnel during an annual inspection tour Wednesday.

The main additions at the plant are a bio-solids holding facility with an aerobic digester and a new sludge-holding tank.

"We're adding onto the sludge-holding tanks, adding an aerobic digester and upgrading the lime treatment capabilities," said Jim Lunsford, plant superintendent. "It should add 20 years (of life expectancy) on the capabilities of the sludge treatment part of the plant."

"I can't overemphasize how important this is," said Mayor Paul Sander. "The water, the sewer, the streets, all the infrastructure is so vital in maintaining the continued growth of the city. The City Council is very conscious of the need for improved infrastructure."

The aerobic digester will also be used for lime stabilization and has a 200,000-gallon capacity. The new sludge-holding tank next to it has a 400,000-gallon capacity. This more than doubles the city's sludge-holding capabilities.

"It gives us a better opportunities to get it out on the field when the windows (of opportunity) are open, weather-wise," Lunsford said.

A brick control center is also progressing rapidly, near the new tanks.