Improving how the city handles and stores wastewater sludge is one of many improvements Freeport
Mayor Jodi Miller would like to see at the city’s Hancock Street Water Reclamation Facility over the next
four years.

“The city has made a lot of progress in how we treat wastewater over the past two years,” says Mayor
Miller. “We’d like to continue that progress over the next four years.”
Mayor Miller says Phase 2 of the city’s upgrades to its wastewater treatment system includes expanding
the amount of sludge the city can store and reducing infiltration of storm water into the system.
“Lining our wastewater pipes and eliminating cross connections throughout the city will reduce the
amount of storm water that finds its way into our wastewater system,” explains Mayor Miller. “By
reducing the amount of storm water in the system, we reduce the operating costs of treating
wastewater.”

In 2023, the city embarked on a $58 million overhaul of its wastewater treatment system. The city is
replacing its old headwork system which will improve the treatment of wastewater coming into the
plant, as well as improving the safety for city workers. New technology for treating waste is also being
introduced.

“For decades the city has used chlorine and other chemicals to treat its waste,” explains Jodi, “not only
is this process not good for the environment, but it’s also expensive. The plant’s new Ultra Violet
treatment process will save the city money and improve our stewardship of our local environment and
waterways.”

“We have future generations in mind as we rebuild our infrastructure,” says Jodi. “We want to be a
leader when it comes to municipal environmental management. It’s a big goal but worth the pursuit.”