City of Hansen to take over wastewater treatment operations
HANSEN, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — About three weeks ago, the City of Hansen was informed by Jacobs that the company will not be renewing their contract to operate the city’s wastewater treatment plant, due to a corporate restructuring.
Jacobs will continue to provide services until the end of September.
“They were doing the day-to-day testing and making sure that everything’s meeting DEQ standards and carrying those licenses,” Caleb McClimans, the Public Works Director for the city said.
McClimans said the city plans to takeover the wastewater duties, instead of contracting with another company.
“It’s in our budget to hire those licensed individuals to come in so that the City of Hansen can take the facilities over and do what Jacobs has been doing,” McClimans said.
McClimans explained that making this change will cost the city just over $100,000 a year, but that’s how much they’re already paying the services.
While the city works out the budget details, the current company is helping them with the upcoming transition. This includes helping McClimans get his license so he can help operate the plant.
“I’ve been going around with Jacobs every day, getting trained up on the facilities. So a big portion of getting your license is putting in adequate hours of hands on experience. So I’m documenting those hours and starting to read through the books,” McClimans said.
The city also plans to hire two additional people to help monitor the wastewater facility. McClimans said it’s needed as the previous company had people there at least four to six hours a day, so having the extra help is needed to keep the treatment plant running.
McClimans said when it comes to actually making the change, residents shouldn’t expect any issues.
“It’s gonna be business as usual. You don’t need to worry about your water quality. You don’t need to worry about our wastewater exiting town. It’s gonna be a smooth transition,” McClimans said.
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