Are the wastewater treatment plant upgrades to correct the odor problems included in this rate case? If so are the ratepayers paying for someone elses mistake?
Yes, along with the cost of the cost of construction and operation of the new plant that went into operation in 2002 but has not been included in a previous rate case. In other words, the ratepayers have not yet paid for the cost of operating this plant or for the cost of a return on its value. The cost of new odor controls installed was necessary to reduce the odor to below regulated levels. When originally constructed and operated, the plant met and exceeded all odor regulations. However, after homes were constructed immediately adjacent to the plant, complaints followed and the ACC ordered Liberty Water to make further odor control improvements. We did. The technology for reducing odors at wastewater treatment plants has improved dramatically.
