FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 14, 2023

Mayor Noble Announces Completion of $9.5 Million Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project

KINGSTON, NY – Mayor Steven T. Noble and City Engineer John Schultheis are pleased to announce that the City of Kingston’s $9.5 million Wastewater Treatment Plant facility improvement project is now complete.

The Wastewater Treatment Plant project included two components: rebuilding the outfall to allow for better mixing and dilution of treatment effluent in the Rondout Creek, and the installation of new energy-efficient blowers, piping, diffusers, and controls that supply air to the aeration tanks, providing better treatment of the wastewater. The improvements are expected to reduce an estimated 417,000 kwh per year, a 33% savings, while protecting the environment and human health.

“This extensive project upgrades our wastewater facility with vital environmental improvements, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and electricity usage, and will improve plant operations, efficiency, and reliability,” said Mayor Noble. “Investing in our Wastewater Treatment Plant is part of our continuing economic revitalization. With this project, we will see a substantial reduction in our overall municipal electrical use, as the plant is the largest energy user in government operations. Not only will the City see savings, but we will also limit our impact to the Rondout Creek and Hudson River. I want to thank the staff at Public Works, the Wastewater Treatment Plant, and the Engineering Department for all their efforts on this important project.”

City Engineer John Schultheis said, “This project represents one of the largest single upgrades to the plant since it was constructed in the 1940s. I’d like to thank the professional staff at Tighe and Bond, especially Ryan Sanford, Erin Moore, David Seche, and their associates and subconsultants for delivering the best design, after examining many alternatives and working with regulators and the city to find the best solution to the City's needs. I also thank the City's three prime contractors, CFI Contracting (General Contractor), Stilsing Electric (Electrical), and Grant Street Construction (Outfall) for their diligent work to bring the City's vision to reality. I also thank the staff at the NYSEFC for assistance in funding the project through a combination of loan and grant funds. Finally, thanks to the Mayor, Common Council, and Plant operators who all played a large role in making the project a success.”

Allen Winchell, Chief Operator at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, said, “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Steve Noble for his unwavering commitment and leadership. Special recognition goes to Tighe & Bond and Schnabel Engineering for their exceptional expertise and dedicated efforts in engineering this transformative project. Their hard work and collaboration have been instrumental in turning our vision into a remarkable reality.”

The Wastewater Treatment Plant improvement project brings the facility up to New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) standards and requirements.

The project’s benefits include:

• Improved water quality in the Rondout Creek and Hudson River by reducing nitrogen/ammonia in the treated effluent and implementing seasonal nitrification/denitrification of the wastewater
• Improved mixing and dilution with an improved outfall nearer the creek center
• Improved plant reliability by replacing old and obsolete equipment
• Significant energy savings with modernized equipment
• Reduced maintenance with improved controls and more reliable equipment
• Compliance with the requirements of the State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) permit

The total project cost is expected to be $9,500,000. The City of Kingston was awarded $4,080,000 in New York State Water Infrastructure Improvement (WIIA) grants, which includes additional Federal funds authorized by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The balance will be financed under a no-interest hardship loan from the New York Environmental Facilities Corporation.

More info at https://engagekingston.com/wwtp-upgrades.