Wastewater Improvement Project Update - Phase II Almost Complete
The City of Ripley Utility Board continues its efforts to modernize and improve the wastewater (sewer) system to ensure compliance with environmental laws and provide the best possible service for residents in Ripley and Evans. Phase II of the Wastewater Improvement Project is now underway. Background The Wastewater Improvement project began in 2013 as a direct response to the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s (WVDEP) consent orders for both Ripley and Evans. Heavy fines were levied against Ripley and improvements were mandated by WVDEP. Neither system can meet water quality standards to discharge into Mill Creek. This has required a significant financial investment and increased fees for customers. Phase I of the Wastewater Improvement Project was completed in 2017 and included the rehabilitation of existing manholes, construction of nearly all new lift stations, and the replacement of many problem areas within the collection systems. Completion of Phase I was a major step in achieving compliance and enhancing public and environmental safety. Phase I Project milestones Evans: 12” Gravity Pipe = 2,800 feet 10” Gravity Pipe = 1,800 feet 8” Gravity Pipe = 4,700 feet 6” Gravity Pipe = 400 feet 46 Manholes Removed & Replaced 65 Manholes Rehabilitated Ripley: 16” Gravity Pipe = 320 feet 15” Gravity Pipe = 160 feet 12” Gravity Pipe = 4,900 feet 10” Gravity Pipe = 2,560 feet 8” Gravity Pipe = 12,600 feet 6” Gravity Pipe = 1,200 feet 16” HDPE Force Main = 2,230 feet 10” PVC Force Main = 3,100 feet 8” PVC Force Main = 2,650 feet 6” PVC Force Main = 2,700 feet 4” PVC Force Main = 1,400 feet 125 Manholes Removed & Replaced and/or added new 70 Manholes Rehabilitated 10 new Lift stations 5 lift stations upgraded Phase II The City of Ripley is currently finishing up Phase II of the wastewater project. A newly constructed Sequencing Batch Reactor Treatment Plant is now operational and receiving wastewater from both Ripley and Evans. The plant is designed to treat an average of 1.2 million gallons day with a capacity of 4 million gallons per day. Phase III - Next Steps Phase III will be to decommission and fill in the existing lagoons at both Ripley and Evans. Once Phase III is complete and lagoons have been filled in, the City of Ripley plans to turn the 22 acres into a new recreational area with little league fields, walking trail, tennis/pickleball courts, etc.
