City of Muskogee

PROJECT PURPOSE

The headworks building at the wastewater treatment facility is in dire need of upgrades. This structure was built in 1997 and is in a state of rapid deterioration. Both the automatic bar screens need replacement as they are original to the building. Also, many key components are quickly becoming obsolete as it is becoming increasingly difficult to find replacement parts. These structures are one of many critical processes needed in the early stages of treating raw sewage. These structures must function reliably to remove debris that would otherwise inhibit treatment at later stages of the process. The headworks building also contains a grit chamber that needs replacement. It also is part of the original construction, and it is increasingly difficult to find parts to repair many of its components. Removal of grit and other inorganic substances is crucial in this process for promoting bacterial growth at later stages, and to prolong the operational life of pumps that must pump sludge and water throughout the plant. If an abundance of grit is left in the waste stream, then it will damage pump seals and impellers, causing premature failure.

EVIDENCE

The state of deterioration in the headworks system of our wastewater treatment plant has reached a critical juncture. Unless significant steps of replacement and remediation are taken in the near future, then there is a high probability of critical failure for our wastewater treatment that serves some 55,000 residents.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Muskogee is the largest city (36,878) and seat for rural Muskogee County (67,000), designated as a StrikeZone by the USDA because of its high poverty rate (24.6%) and its many economic disparities and challenges. Muskogee is a poor, diverse and rural population that has been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic due to restricted access to health services and socioeconomic challenges resulting from inadequate infrastructure, limited economic development opportunities, inconsistent broadband access, and access to employment. In addition to chronic poverty, other vulnerable populations include the elderly, children, and minorities. The pandemic led directly led to the residents of Muskogee suffering the closure of several major retailers and numerous small businesses, making access to basic commodities a challenge. Also, these closures will continue to negatively impact sales tax revenues for the city for years to come. As such, there is a need to improve our water treatment system to provide reliable infrastructure for remaining businesses and serve our current residents. Despite these challenges, Muskogee remains a regional hub with residents from six surrounding counties traveling there daily for employment, services, and entertainment. A commitment to improving our wastewater treatment would attract new business and would benefit the people of Muskogee and the larger region.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Project performance for the replacement and remediation of the wastewater treatment plant headworks system will be measured by the completion of the project according to schedule and within the established budget.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

One-time project will not need continued funding