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1. What will a new plant cost?

The cost of a new wastewater treatment plant is estimated at approximately $34.5 million.

2. Why can't the existing plant be retrofitted to meet new EPA regulations?

It can be. But retrofitting the current wastewater plant exceeds the cost of new plant construction. That means tax payers will pay more. In addition, retrofitting the existing plant will likely not meet stricter EPA guidelines or accommodate Indianola's growing population.

3. How much is the current plant costing Indianola residents?

Operational and maintenance costs continue to mount due to the age of the facility. In just the last two years, the City Council has spent roughly $500,000 on the plant's infrastructure. That is in addition to the several millions the city and many residents spent to improve wastewater collection infrastructure a few years ago, as mandated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).

4. Will the federal government help pay for the new plant?

Unfortunately, no. While the existing plant was constructed in 1978 using federal dollars, the new plant does not qualify for federal funding. The new plant will need to be funded by local sources.