By JIMMY LAWTON

OGDENSBURG – Engineers are hopeful they can reduce the cost of Ogdensburg’s massive wastewater treatment plant project to $35 million.

Engineering consultants from GHD, gave a presentation Monday to city council outlining the major issues at the plant.

Ogdensburg City Council agreed to borrow up to $39 million at a previous meeting, but councilors are hopeful they can reduce the cost as the plan is finalized.

The price tag includes a total overhaul of the plant, which has components that have long exceeded their lifespan according to GHD consultants.

The savings identified by the engineers will come largely from a DEC mandated 800,000 gallon tank. Originally the city was going to need to purchase a new one, but engineers believe they can repurpose and modify an existing tank to meet the requirements, which would reduce the price tag by millions of dollars.

The city is also hopeful it can offset $10 million of the project cost through state and federal grants. If that happens the local share would be reduced to about $25 million. The city is also eyeing a zero interest 30-year loan.

Equipment in the facility is 40 to 50 years old and is becoming costly to maintain and dangerous for staff and the city in general, according to consultants. Although the city has since taken action to address some issues.

Among the plants many problems is a digester that was not producing the gas byproduct that would normally be used to produce heat and provide a cost savings.

The city is also using chlorine gas to treat its wastewater, a method that has gone by the wayside at most sewer plants due to its volatility and high risk for creating an emergency situation that could affect city residents in a 1.2 mile radius should something go wrong. However, the city has made some improvements to address that issue as well.

Three of the city’s six pump stations are in dire need of upgrades and repairs.

The city has also had nearly 20 violations of non-compliance with its State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, which consultants say is likely lead to legal action from the state.

The improvements to the plant are expected to have a 30-year life span.