Jasper Takes Next Steps for Northside Wastewater Treatment Plant

The Jasper Utility Service Board held their regular meeting on Monday night, reviewing updates on some major infrastructure projects in progress throughout the city. 

The meeting began with business as usual, as quotes were opened for an electric aerial bucket truck and gas loader backhoe. Department staff then provided requested feedback, as they were asked for ideas to optimize current city administrative processes. Suggested modifications included automating alerts, updating the current invoicing system, and evaluating workflow. 

Managers’ reports appraised the board of various utility projects and presented requests for future plans. An update was given on the annual gas leak survey, which is mandated by state and federal law. The survey covers the city’s central area, mostly south of Schuetter Road. This includes the area west to the Crooked Creek subdivision, east to 15 th  and Knust Street, and south toward the Deer Creek subdivision in the Precious Blood area. Meters were checked outside of homes and businesses, including high pressure feeder mains. A follow-up on social media will be posted in the near future. 

The Wastewater Committee reported that a meeting was held on October 1 regarding the Mill Street water main replacement project area. Details were discussed surrounding the recommendation of using a 50/50 program for sewer lateral line replacements in the Mill Street area. An update was also provided on the progress of the proposed Northside Wastewater Treatment Plant and the next steps in the project. The board granted approval for a wetlands delineation, not to exceed $20,000, a site survey, not to exceed $10,000, and two land appraisals, not to exceed $4,000 in total. The board heard that a formal resolution will be presented at the November meeting regarding service alert communication protocol and water main break and boil advisories. 

In other business, the electric department received approval for its Survalent SCADA 1-year support plan. Resolution #USB 2024-4 was passed, recommending salaries and wages for 2025. Notification letters for "unknown material" water service lines will be mailed by November 1, and preliminary scoping activity for the water asset management plan has begun.


For more information on these and other updates, visit jasperindiana.gov or JasperGov-Indiana on Facebook.


- Drew Hasselbring