Money to be used for EPA mandate

When the Ironton City Council meets on Thursday, the main item on the agenda is to raise the city’s wastewater usage fee.

Ordinance No. 17-05 would raise the wastewater usage rate from $5 per 1,000 gallons to $8.25 per 1,000 gallons. If passed, the ordinance would take effect on April 1.

Since the measure is in the interest of public health, safety and welfare, it is being declared an emergency measure, meaning that the usual three readings will be suspended and the council could decide to pass it or not on Thursday.

The money would go toward making upgrades at the Ironton Wastewater plant, which was built in the 1950s and hasn’t been upgraded since 1987. That was the same year the wastewater rate was set at $5 per 1,000 gallon.

Regionally, only Ashland and Athens have rates under $5. Huntington’s rate is $6.58. Portsmouth and New Boston residents pay $11 per thousand gallons. South Point’s rate is $19.25 for residents in the village and $24.75 for those outside the village.

Ironton is looking at how to deal with a new mandate from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency that would lower the amount of mercury in water expelled from wastewater plants after the wastewater is treated.

Mercury in its vapor form has been found to be harmful to humans and its short-term effects include headaches, dizziness, fatigue and shortness of breath. Long-term effects include damage to the liver, the nervous system and kidneys.

The Ohio EPA new standard calls for decrease of 77 percent from the current level of 53 nanograms per liter to 12 nanograms per liter. The new lower rates take effect on Sept. 1. The Ironton wastewater plant is up for its permit renewal on Sept. 31.

Ironton Mayor Katrina Keith said it would cost an additional $300,000 or more to treat the sludge for mercury annually.

Mercury is removed from the system by drying out the sludge from the system.

Last year, the wastewater plant dealt with 880 tons of sludge that was hauled off to the landfill.

Wastewater Superintendent Dennis Gumbert said that if the plant were to chemically treat for mercury, it would double the weight of the sludge that needs hauled away.

After the council meeting is over, there will be a public utilities commission meeting.

The Ironton City Council meets at 6 p.m. Thursday on the third floor of the Ironton City Center.