City of Atoka

PROJECT PURPOSE

The City of Atoka's wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) is in violation of ODEQ current construction regulations and lacks a headworks facility (now required.) Additionally, the WWTP lacks adequate sludge handling due to growth and loading. This project would add a headworks facility and belt press sludge handling along with repair other items in dire need. In addition to the WWTP, the project would provide an extensive study of the wastewater collection system with associated repairs to facilitate growth and prevent unpermitted discharges and ODEQ violations.

EVIDENCE

N/A

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Atoka will obviously be the most impacted if approved for this grant and will allow us to meet the new DEQ requirements and put us back in compliance. Also, due to Atoka's ongoing remodeling/ rebuilding of its downtown area, including a major attraction (Reba's Place) expected to be completed by Labor Day, 2022; we anticipate tourism in Atoka to increase dramatically with many visitors from surrounding communities, statewide, out of state, and even out of country visitors will want to come to Atoka to see this attraction and check out the many things we have to offer them during their stay. With these things going on, we expect our current motels will be full virtually all the time, and the probable addition of one and possibly two more motels, it will increase the need for this much needed wastewater project. We also have a couple of industries that we are in current negotiations with that will also add to our need for additional water and sewer capabilities. Getting this much needed project approved/funded will ensure we not only meet DEQ requirements but also provide our town with the capabilities to handle our welcomed growth. It will greatly help our motel owners and various other local businesses that were to various degrees impacted by the pandemic. To summarize, with the growth of our town, and the current condition of our wastewater plant not meeting DEQ requirements, this funded grant would be a life changer for our town.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Project performance will be measured by the removal of Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality violations that present a significant threat to public health. The violations have been initially collected by the consulting engineer based on City reporting and ODEQ correspondence. Once addressed, the violations will be reviewed for compliance to verify performance and the corresponding removal of public health threats.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma