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Wastewater System of the Year
The Lore of Odessa – Insight into the MRWA Wastewater System of the Year
Gary Webber, MRWA Wastewater Technician
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The battle-weary horsemen rapidly approach to a safe and secured vantage point overlooking the immense body of water. As the horses settle from their heavy breaths a deep enduring voice echoes to their leader “We are here, we have conquered our way to the sea.” A woman dressed for adventure, sitting tall on her enchanted horse, surveys the small town before her. Dark clouds adorn the sky with promising lighted rays shinning here and there, her hair dancing in the wind as she leans forward in her saddle, she lifts her sword. Catherine The Great speaks, “Her name shall be Odessa!” Centuries have passed since that day, but the intriguing name still brings curiosity to one’s spirit. Odessa, the Missouri city, was mentioned to me by a friend who said I should stop by and talk to those working at the city. My friend said, “The operators do a really great job, they are trying to overcome a lot of obstacles, and they may need help with some of their wastewater issues.” It took a while to make that trip, maybe too long, but one afternoon I made a dash for Odessa. I was able to locate one of the city staff members by phone, and we met at the new wastewater treatment plant late in the day. “My name is Randy Johnson,” he said, and boy did that bring back good memories. “You are not the Randy Johnson I knew. Did you know him?” The conversation began from there, we hit it off from the get-go and Mr. Johnson showed me around the treatment facility. Touring the facility was a treat. “What a plant!” I thought, and over time as I got to meet more of the staff and learn more of their situation; what their challenges were and how they were applying themselves, it was inspiring. “They can teach me a lot,” I thought, and I listened and tried to comprehend all
they were showcasing.
MRWA Drone picture of Odessa’s Northwest Treatment Facility. Picture taken by Joe Anstine.
Odessa has two wastewater treatment facilities; a Northwest Treatment Plant which was put into service in November of 2015 and the Southeast Treatment Plant born in July of 2007. The Northwest Plant is designed for 2 MGD and can deal with peak flows of 4 MGD. It replaced a lagoon system that had become obsolete. The Southeast Plant is designed to accommodate 1 MGD and a peak flow of 2 MGD. Both are oxidation ditch concept-plants with added treatment features such as filters, UV disinfection, and sludge presses. Balancing food-to-microbe ratio is a real challenge at the Northwest Treatment Plant due to its current low-flow. To make this work as well as they do, the operators must be on their toes.
Like a lot of other communities in Missouri, Odessa deals with aging infrastructure. Their wastewater collection system is no different than most in that it too has issues with Inflow & Infiltration (I & I).
(continued from page 23) The city’s wastewater staff have taken initiative to remedy a lot of that over the last year or so by smoke testing, and service and manhole observations and repair. They scored a grand slam by locating a huge I & I issue in a low-lying area of town where trailer court services were deficient. There were two creek crossings that needed rehabilitation, and additionally they had numerous vented manhole lids replaced. In all, their efforts effectively reduced their I & I by about 70%. Another challenge they face is a heavy debt ratio paired with a limited expense and staffing budget. Odessa Wastewater Supervisor Kenny Snider explained they conduct weekly staff meetings, communicate well, and work smart. Snider further explained, “With only 4 employees to cover 2 plants, 13 lift stations, and the collection system, there is lots to do and we have to approach it in a work smart mind set; efficiency is paramount.” He also praises their sludge press as remarkably effective and trouble free. It is a Rotor Fan Press marketed by Prime Solutions of Michigan.
Odessa is a great example of many things. A few notables: the utility grounds and facilities are clean and groomed; the staff have a great attitude and are deeply knowledgeable. This is a very impressive utility. Odessa was the recipient of Missouri Rural Water Association’s 2020 Wastewater System of The Year and are so deserving. I once traveled to a far-away place. The people there are friendly, they greet one with a smile. They call this place Odessa!
Pictured l to r: Former MRWA Exec. Dir Randy Norden, Randy Johnson, Nici Wilson, and Kenny Snider
New Issue May 22, 2018
$60,000,000 MISSOURI PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION INTERIM CONSTRUCTION NOTES SERIES 2018
The aforementioned Notes were issued to provide interim funding for Missouri municipal projects being funded through the United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
CITIES
Albany Chaffee Creighton Wardell Ewing Gainesville Gilman City Alton Hawk Point Lincoln Mansfield La Plata Morehouse Portageville Puxico Purdy Senath Stanberry Sweet Springs
PWSD No. 10of BooneCounty PWSD No. 1 of OregonCounty C-PWSD No. 1 of SchuylerCounty
DISTRICTS
PWSD No. 1 of McDonaldCounty PWSD No. 1 of Ralls County Gravois Arms Sewer District
The Missouri Public Utilities Commission is the sponsor of the Interim Loan Program
MISSOURI PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION John Sullivan, Public Water Supply District No. 3 of Howell County, Missouri, Chairman Janet Sears, Consolidated Public Water Supply District No. 1 of Boone County, Missouri, Commissioner Tammie Winter, Consolidated Public Water Supply District No. 1 of Lafayette, Johnson and Saline Counties, Missouri, Commissioner Brian Hayes, Public Water Supply District No. 1 of Macon County, Missouri, Commissioner Nancy Reichmann, Public Water Supply District No. 2 of Monroe County, Missouri, Commissioner Crystal Cooper, Missouri Rural Water Association, Secretary
The Missouri Rural Water Association is the administrator of the Missouri Public Utilities Commission Interim Loan Program
MISSOURI RURAL WATER BOARD OF DIRECTORS David Waller, Public Water Supply District No. 1 of Macon County, Missouri, Board President Roger Barker, Public Water Supply District No. 3 of Daviess County, Missouri, Director Tammie Winter, Consolidated Public Water Supply District No. 1 of Lafayette, Johnson and Saline Counties, Missouri, Director Janet Sears, Consolidated Public Water Supply District No. 1 of Boone County, Missouri, Director Kathy Voyles, Public Water Supply District No. 8 of Jefferson County, Missouri, Director Melinda Piper, Consolidated Public Water Supply District No. 1 of Barton, Dade, Cedar & Jasper Counties, Missouri, Director Paul Michael Shaw, City of Caruthersville, Missouri, Director ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The undersigned assisted in the structuring and managing of the underwriting D.A. Davidson & Co., Underwriter Gilmore & Bell, PC, Note Counsel RaymondJames, Financial Advisor Rubin & Hays, Underwriters Counsel Regions Bank, Trustee and Escrow Agent Causey, Demgen & Moore, Verification Agent
City of Moscow Mills, Missouri
$1,758,700
Combined Waterworks and
Sewerage Refunding and
Improvement Revenue Bonds
Proceeds were used to refund outstanding debt and fund improvements to the City’s combined waterworks and sewerage system.
City of Lincoln, Missouri
$1,100,000
Combined Waterworks and
Sewerage System Taxable Revenue Bonds
Proceeds were used to fund the acquisition of approximately 186 acres for a “no-discharge” land based wastewater treatment system.
City of California, Missouri
$1,125,600 Combined Waterworks and Sewerage System Revenue Bonds
Proceeds were used to construct, furnish, and equip improvements to the City’s sewerage collection system.
City of Bolivar, Missouri
$1,231,162 Lease Purchase Agreement
Proceeds were used to fund improvements to the City’s wastewater collection and treatmentsystem.
PWSD No. 1 of Osage County, Missouri
$1,111,000 Waterworks System Revenue Bonds, MoDNR SRF
Proceeds were used to construct a water storage tank and make distribution improvements.
City of Louisiana, Missouri
$4,523,318
Certificates of Participation
Proceeds were used to fund improvements and extensions to the City’s combined waterworks and sewerage system, storm watersystem, and streets.
City of Tipton, Missouri
$825,000 Equipment Lease Purchase Agreement
Proceeds were used to finance upgrades and repairs to the City’s wastewater treatment facility and the installation ofSCADAsystem.
City of Campbell, Missouri
$625,000
Combined Waterworks and Sewerage System Revenue Bonds, MoDNR SRF
Proceeds were used to make improvements to the City’s water storage tanks as well as the water supplyand distribution system.
City of Unionville, Missouri
$777,000
Combined Waterworks and
Sewerage System Revenue Bonds,
Proceeds were used to make improvements to the City’s wastewater collection and treatmentsystem.
C-PWSD No. 1 of Scotland County, Missouri
$2,193,000
Waterworks System Revenue Bonds,
Proceeds were used to fund upgrades to water mains and installation ofa remote read meter system.
City of New Haven, Missouri
$1,136,000 Lease Purchase Agreement
Proceeds were used to construct a new wastewater lift station, install pumping equipment, and to install and extend new force sewerage mains.
Don’t roll the dice… Go with who you know. D.A. Davidson & Co. –Providing service and solutions to Communities and Districts for over half a century.
City of Gallatin, Missouri
$1,573,400 Combined Waterworks and Sewerage System Refunding Revenue Bonds
Proceeds were used for current refunding of Series 2004 A&B Certificates.
