Johnston County Commissioners took another step this week towards expanding the county’s wastewater treatment plant.
The plant is currently rated up to 9.5 million gallons per day. In 2015 the average demand was 5.93 million gallons per day. However, demand is quickly growing due to the county’s rapid residential, business and bio-pharmaceutical growth.
Commissioners agreed to a request by Chandra C. Coates, Director of Johnston County Public Utilities to update a 2006 report on options on how to expand the plant. The study will cost approximately $150,000.
Also Monday, commissioners agreed to apply for a loan to pay for wastewater improvements near the I-40/NC42 interchange. The existing Swift Creek Wastewater Pump Station, located on Highway 42 near Swift Creek, has been recommended for an upgrade to avoid overloading the existing station. In order to improve efficiency, the station could be replaced with the construction of a new gravity sewer outfall and a regional wastewater pump station on Cornwallis Road.
The commissioners approved a request by county utility staff to apply for a state loan or grant to help fund the project.
