The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $286,000 to the city of Ellsworth, Kan., to partially fund construction of an upgrade to an existing wastewater pump station and four-cell wastewater treatment lagoon.
The project will provide improvements to the lagoon, which will reduce the amount of organic matter, total suspended solids and ammonia being discharged to the environment. The improved quality of treated wastewater will better protect human health, water quality and aquatic life in Oak Creek and the Smokey Hill River.
EPA Region 7 Administrator John Askew said, "EPA is proud to award the city of Ellsworth these wastewater infrastructure funds, which will allow it to meet discharge permit requirements. Water infrastructure is a basic necessity for community health and prosperity."
EPA oversees the protection of water quality and public health. The agency is working with community leaders and the public to meet the growing needs and demands of limited water resources. EPA remains committed to developing innovative and sustainable solutions for managing and financing infrastructure with public and private partners.
Source: U.S. EPA
