(WMOK) Metropolis, IL –

(WMOK) Metropolis, IL – Metropolis Mayor, Don Canada told WMOK during a Coffee Break earlier this month that multiple projects that are part of an update on the current Long-Term Control Plan will begin within a year or so.  He spoke about other “underway” and upcoming projects as well.

Some of these projects are part of a long-term plan to reduce sewer overflows to the Ohio River, as required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency – some are being made available by grants.

During dry weather, sewage flows safely through the City’s sewers to the Metropolis sewer treatment plant (STP). However, about 50 times a year melting snow or rainwater can overwhelm the sewers, causing untreated sewage to overflow into the Ohio River.

• Phase 3 of the Water-Sewer Separation project will begin with the realignment of sewer mains in the city of Metropolis out to the Woodhaven area of Metropolis. The amount of $18 million dollars for the project was recently approved in a Metropolis City Council Meeting. This will rectify problems in Woodhaven regarding sewer usage.

Mayor Canada discussed the hold on progress at our Industrial Park as it relates to the issue.  Canada said that Phase 1 or the Industrial Park is full of Industry however further development relies on some of the projects that are currently being planned.

Other upcoming projects:

• Metropolis Waste Treatment Plant is required to be updated by 2030
• Substation on East Side of town will need to be replaced
• September 1st the City of Metropolis will move to the next phase of the Lead Pipe replacement program.
• Addition of a well – Canada advised this was not as much an immediate need as preparation for the future.
• Upgrades to the Water Treatment Plant must be underway by 2030 – EPA requires that upgrades must begin by 2030
• Lead Pipe Replacement Project

Mayor Canada told WMOK that the point he wants to make with the information regarding the upcoming projects is: “We’re going to be tearing up a lot of town.”

Mayor Canada explained that many residents have asked about road conditions regarding potholes in the city and he said that while they are completing work on some especially problemed areas they plan to leave much of the road work in Metropolis until the completion of other infrastructure projects.

Hear our discussion with Mayor Canada below: