Lexington, August 15, 2025
News Summary
The Lexington council committee is investigating the relocation of a wastewater treatment pump station outside the urban service boundary to comply with EPA regulations. The existing facility, located off Mint Lane, has faced criticism due to sewage overflow issues. Potential sites being considered include land owned by Fayette County Public Schools and Mill Ridge Farm. Funding of $2 million has been allocated for site analysis, while $8.1 million will go towards improvements to address odor issues affecting local residents. A decision is expected soon from the full council.
Lexington – A committee of the Lexington council has taken steps to explore relocating a new wastewater treatment pump station to a site outside the city’s urban service boundary, following essential recommendations for compliance with environmental regulations. The existing pump station, which is located off Mint Lane behind Dunbar High School, must be replaced as part of a formal agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Charlie Martin, the director of Water Quality, stated that infrastructure like wastewater treatment facilities has historically been situated within the urban service boundary to curb urban sprawl. However, the current pump’s location falls within this boundary, prompting a search for alternative options.
Potential new sites under consideration include land owned by Fayette County Public Schools, which lies adjacent to the current pump station. The committee also discussed possible extension options to Mill Ridge Farm, which some council members felt should have been part of the conversation. Mill Ridge Farm offers ample land for future expansion, which raised questions about why this location was initially excluded.
Councilwoman Jennifer Reynolds articulated concerns regarding the decision-making process and the need for more proactive planning focusing on future growth possibilities. Historically, similar facilities have been placed outside the urban boundary, with examples like the Kentucky Horse Park showing precedent in such decisions.
Despite significant lobbying efforts by the owners, Mill Ridge Farm was omitted from the city’s 2023 expansion area. In response to the new developments, the committee tasked Martin to assess both Mill Ridge Farm and the existing Mint Lane site further for potential relocation of the wastewater station. The committee plans to present a resolution to the full council for a vote in the coming weeks, with further updates expected from Martin by March.
The city has designated $2 million for site analysis concerning the relocation of the pump station. Meanwhile, Councilwoman Hannah LeGris expressed her dissent regarding the committee’s resolution, preferring to keep the discussions ongoing. Representatives from Mill Ridge Farm, which has faced severe sewage overflow issues resulting in three million gallons of sewage reported on its property last year, have not yet disclosed any development plans related to the potential new pump station site.
Bell, a representative of Mill Ridge Farm, indicated that stormwater overflow has hampered the farm’s pursuit of a protected wetlands designation. Mill Ridge Farm, established in 1962 by Alice Chandler and currently managed by her descendants, has produced over 41 Grade 1 prize winners since 2000.
Residents living near the city’s wastewater treatment plants have reported enduring “rotten-egg” odors since late 2022. The city has responded by establishing an “odor control plan,” embracing improvements that will require an investment of $8.1 million. However, these measures will take time to fully implement, as an emergency contract worth $75,000 has been awarded to help identify the sources of the odors. Initial findings suggest that much of the odor has originated from specific processes at the Town Branch Water Treatment Plant and the West Hickman Waste Water Treatment Plant.
In response to these concerns, upgrades are in progress for odor control systems, including plans for biological scrubbers. The city is also investigating better sewage transportation methods to reduce odor-causing compounds, with goals to significantly decrease hydrogen sulfide levels. Furthermore, the U.S. EPA is collaborating with Lexington to extend the compliance deadline for sewer system improvements from 2026 to 2030. This consent decree, originally signed in 2011 following Clean Water Act violations, reflects ongoing city efforts to improve wastewater management, with 75 completed projects aimed at preventing wastewater discharge during heavy rainfall.
FAQs
What is the current situation regarding the wastewater pump in Lexington?
The Lexington council committee is exploring the relocation of a wastewater treatment pump station outside the urban service boundary to comply with EPA agreements.
Why is the wastewater pump station being relocated?
The relocation is necessary due to compliance requirements set by the EPA and to address ongoing sewage overflow issues within the current location.
What potential locations are being considered for the new pump station?
Potential sites include land owned by Fayette County Public Schools next to the current facility and Mill Ridge Farm, which offers more land for potential growth.
What are the concerns expressed by council members regarding the decision-making process?
Some council members are concerned about the lack of future planning direction in selecting the site for the wastewater pump station.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Site Location | Exploring land outside the urban service boundary for a new wastewater treatment pump. |
| Compliance Deadline | Extended to 2030 by the U.S. EPA for sewer system improvements. |
| Funding | $2 million allocated for site analysis and $8.1 million for odor control improvements. |
| Current Issues | Ongoing sewage overflow problems at Mill Ridge Farm and odors reported by nearby residents. |
| Historical Basis | Past relocation examples include the Kentucky Horse Park, demonstrating precedent for this decision. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Winchester Secures $2.7 Million Federal Grant for Sewer Infrastructure
Investigation Underway Over Grand Canyon Lodge Fire
Grand Canyon Lodge Lost to Wildfires: A Tragic Loss
Advocates Call for Boating Safety in Kentucky After Tragedy
Lexington Residents Tackle Odor Crisis with City Action
Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Fayette County News
- Kentucky.com: Local News
- WACH: Sewage Pump Inconvenience
- Wikipedia: Wastewater Treatment
- Google Search: Lexington Wastewater Issues
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