NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 25, 1997

CARY TO DEDICATE

NEW WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT

CARY, NC -- Cary’s new North Cary Wastewater Treatment Plant (NCWTP) will be dedicated by Town officials at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sunday afternoon, September 28th. The $20.7 million facility expands Cary’s wastewater treatment capacity at that location from 4.45 million gallons per day (mgd) to 10 mgd.

"We’re very proud of this project," said Cary Town Engineering Director Tim Bailey. "This is a state-of-the-art facility which will enable the us to meet Cary’s needs for some time into the future." The new plant processes waste for a large portion of Cary plus surrounding areas including RDU and parts of Research Triangle Park.

Bringing the new plant on-line has also enabled Morrisville to grow as that town contracts with Cary for some of the plant’s excess capacity. "Leasing out treatment capacity until we need it is a wise use of resources," said Town Manager Bill Coleman. "We always size projects based on a reasonable estimate of future needs, but for the time being, we can use that expansion margin to help our neighboring communities."

Rather than relying solely on conventional treatment methods, Cary’s new facility utilizes a biological nutrient removal system that reduces nitrogen and phosphorus by varying oxygen levels within the treatment process. This action encourages the growth of organisms that either consume nutrients or convert them into forms that can be easily removed from the waste stream. Harmful bacteria are destroyed by an ultraviolet disinfection system as opposed to using chemicals.

"This treatment process helps the Town manage wastewater in an environmentally sensitive way," said Public Works & Utilities Director Kim Fisher.

"Cary is particularly mindful of the need to be good stewards of the environment, and we make every effort to incorporate innovative methods in all aspects of our service delivery," Fisher added.

General contractors for the NCWTP were Shook, Heavy, & Environmental Group. National Electric Company completed the electrical portion of the project. The administration building at the plant was also expanded at a cost of about $800,000. The construction contractor for that portion of the project was Poythress Construction Company.

The NCWTP is one of two waste treatment facilities operated by the Town. The second, Cary’s south plant, is currently undergoing an expansion which will raise its capacity from 6.4 mgd to 12.8 mgd. That project is slated for completion in 1999.

More than 300 people have been invited to the dedication ceremonies which will begin at 3:00 p.m. at the NCWTP located at 1900 Old Reedy Creek Road. Remarks from Town officials will be followed by refreshments and tours of the facility.

PRIMARY CONTACTS: Tim Bailey, Engineering Director, 469-4034

Kim Fisher, Public Works and Utilities Dir., 469-4092

Bill Coleman, Town Manager, 469-4002

Susan Moran, Public Information Officer, 460-4951

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