USDA Rural Development: Celebrates Earth Day with ground breaking in Clyman for new water treatment facility

CONTACTS: Kelly Edwards, 715-340-1264 or kelly.edwards@wi.usda.gov

CLYMAN, WI – FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2010 – – – USDA Rural Development, in conjunction with the Village of Clyman, are holding a ground breaking event the village’s new wastewater treatment facility. The Village’s current facility is over forty years old and has exceeded its designed life expectancy. Currently, the existing system does not have adequate capacity to treat future wastewater flows, and it is located in a floodplain area that is unsuitable for re-use. An infiltration/inflow (I/I) evaluation concluded that the flows were above the EPA recommended limit, and considered excessive. In order to meet requirements set by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Village of Clyman needs to make improvements to the current collection facility and the construction of a new water treatment facility. In addition, the existing facility has experienced some effluent discharge violations and concerns in the past. The proposed upgrades will help to increase the efficiency of operations of the plant, accommodate future needs, and improve critical infrastructure. With the completion of this project, the Village will be able to meet existing and future needs of the area, increase efficiency, improve critical infrastructure, and provide safe and clean drinking water to area residents.

USDA Rural Development approved a loan for $2,317,000 and a grant of $1,727,000 toward the project through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 2009.

Earth Day is observed annually on April 22 to raise awareness about the role citizens, businesses and communities can play in protecting the environment. Since the first Earth Day celebration in 1970, the event has expanded to include participation by citizens and governments in more than in 175 countries.

To protect the environment and improve the health of rural families, USDA, through its Rural Development programs, is funding water and wastewater infrastructure projects in local communities across the country.

When: Friday, April 23, 2010 at 11:00 a.m.

Where: Clyman Village Hall

713 Morgan Street

Clyman, WI 53016