Ridding Rexburg of crap

Rexburg’s city council met on May 6, 2009 to discuss the need for a new wastewater treatment.

Though the council didn’t come to a definite decision, they were seriously contemplating an $8 million project.

John Millar, member of the city department, introduced the company owner (I was unable to catch his name and could find no information about him on the internet) of a solar wastewater treatment company from Bountiful, Utah.

The owner explained the process that the city would have to go through, showing them a miniature design of the project. He explained that this $8 million project could be cut into smaller projects.

The most essential project, he explained, is the bio tower.

When asked what was wrong with the tower, John Millar explained that there isn’t a major problem now but there soon will be. There are a lot of build ups that will probably become too much to handle within the next few years.

In contrast, the solar bio tower would be efficient enough to last the city 20 years.

The owner explained that the new project would be a very green plant and also very innovative.

“It will cut down solids 20%-30%,” he explained.

This process comes from the European designs and is very efficient, he explained. Unfortunately there are no working modules close by for the council to examine.

“The closest bio facilities are in Oregon, which has a different climate and humidity,” he said.
Mayor Larsen stated that they didn’t have enough money in their budget for such a big project. They discussed raising taxes, having a fundraiser or simply asking the residents to contribute money for the cause.

In the end, the city council decided to look into the project and decide for certain in a month and a half.