Pittsburg, Kansas, is pursuing a loan application to fund critical upgrades to its wastewater collection system. The city commission will consider the application at its upcoming meeting on Tuesday, October 13th. The plan involves securing approximately $1 million through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment's State Revolving Fund to replace an aging lift station located off East 4th Street.
This lift station is a key component of the city's wastewater infrastructure. It is responsible for moving sewage from lower elevations to higher ground, allowing it to flow towards the treatment plant. Pittsburg's Director of Public Works, Matt Bacon, stated that the replacement of this particular station has become a priority due to its condition. The facility has exhibited signs of wear, with both operational and infrastructure issues emerging in recent years.
The city first recognized the need for this upgrade in 2018. However, the project was put on hold as Pittsburg directed its resources towards the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant. Bacon explained that the city had identified the need to rehabilitate the lift station because it was "beginning to see some operational failure, some infrastructure failure."
Construction of the new wastewater treatment plant commenced in May 2025 and is reportedly on schedule. According to Bacon, the overall facility is approximately 60% complete. Specific progress includes structural concrete work, which is about 90% finished, and site piping around the facility, which is roughly 80% complete. Equipment installation is also well underway, and parts of the facility, such as its concrete basins, have already begun testing.
During the ongoing construction of the treatment plant, residents in the area have reported noticing smells. Bacon acknowledged that the city has received complaints regarding these odors. He clarified that while a portion of the smell is related to the construction process, a significant part is also tied to current atmospheric conditions.
The completion of the new treatment plant is a prerequisite for advancing the lift station project. Once the new wastewater treatment plant becomes operational, the city anticipates it will be able to proceed with the lift station replacement without competing for resources. The wastewater treatment facility is expected to be completed by early fall 2027. This timeline suggests that significant work on the East 4th Street lift station would follow the new plant's readiness.
