The Village of Elba is advancing a multi-phase program to upgrade its Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) and sanitary sewer collection system. These improvements are critical to maintaining the reliability of this essential public service, extending the life of aging infrastructure, improving energy efficiency, and ensuring compliance with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) regulations. The Elba WWTF treats wastewater for all Village residents and several customers in the Town of Elba. The facility is permitted to handle an average of 0.08 million gallons per day and discharges to a tributary of Oak Orchard Creek. Originally built in the late 1960s, the WWTF has served the community well, but much of its equipment is now at the end of its useful life. The overall WWTF improvement project consists of three phases with a total project cost of $4.125 million.
Why Are the Improvements Needed?
The WWTF’s aeration systems, controls, and other treatment components are outdated and less energy-efficient than modern equipment. In addition, the Village’s 21,000 feet of sanitary sewer mains have structural defects and leaking joints that allow excess water to enter the system during wet weather, placing unnecessary strain on the treatment process. Phase 1 was completed several years ago and included installation of a UV disinfection system to meet updated NYSDEC requirements for pathogen reduction and seasonal disinfection. Phases 2 & 3 focus on treatment process upgrades, facility improvements, and rehabilitation of the aging sewer collection system.
Project Overview
Phase 1 – UV Disinfection Improvements (Complete)
- New ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system and effluent pump station
- Electrical upgrades and a backup generator for the entire WWTF.
- This upgrade allows the facility to meet seasonal disinfection limits for pathogens, improving water quality in the Oak Orchard Creek tributary.
Phase 2 – WWTF Upgrades
- New comminutor controls and an accurate influent flow meter.
- Replacement of blowers, air piping, and lagoon aeration equipment to improve oxygen transfer and treatment performance.
- Installation of fine-bubble diffusers in the post-aeration tank.
- Dredging accumulated solids from the existing treatment lagoons.
- Drainage, paving, lighting, and security enhancements to the facility.
- Permanent backup generators for both sanitary pump stations.
Phase 3 – Collection System Rehabilitation
- Replacement of severely deteriorated sewer segments, particularly along Maltby Road.
- Lining over 5,800 feet of pipe with cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) technology.
- Rehabilitation of manholes to seal leaks and restore structural integrity.
Funding the Project
To offset the total $4.125 million total project cost (Phases 1–3), the Village secured the following grants:
- $1.062 million – NYS Water Infrastructure Improvement Act (WIIA)
- $2.0 million – Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
- $288,750 – NYS Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP)
These funds cover the majority of the cost, significantly reducing the financial burden on local taxpayers. The remaining balance will be funding through a low interest loan.
Construction for Phases 2 and 3 is expected to start in late fall 2025 and conclude in late 2026.
Benefits to the Community
Completing the WWTF improvement project will:
- Maintain consistent, high-quality wastewater treatment.
- Protect public health and local waterways.
- Reduce costly emergency repairs.
- Improve energy efficiency and operational reliability.
- Ensure compliance with all NYSDEC permit requirements.
The Village of Elba is committed to protecting our environment, safeguarding public health, and investing in infrastructure that will serve the community for decades to come.
