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Onondaga County lawmakers have approved a $549 million project to expand the Oak Orchard wastewater treatment plant in Clay. This project, the largest infrastructure investment in the county's history, is designed to support the upcoming Micron Technology campus at White Pine Commerce Park. The Department of Water Environment Protection can now begin planning and securing funds for the project.
The Oak Orchard plant, originally built in 1981, will be expanded to handle 15 million gallons of sewage per day, up from its current capacity of 10 million gallons. This expansion will accommodate the 2.6 million gallons of sewage expected from Micron and provide room for future growth. Construction is anticipated to start in late 2026 and conclude by 2031, with the plant remaining operational during this period.
The project has sparked concerns about potential increases in sewer rates for county residents. According to Syracuse.com, the debt service and increased operating costs could add nearly $48 million to annual expenses, potentially raising household sewer charges by $115 over five years. However, County Executive Ryan McMahon has indicated that the actual rate impact is uncertain due to variables like interest rates and new customer additions.
The approval comes just before Democrats take majority control of the county legislature. The project is seen as crucial for the economic development of the area, with a separate facility planned to handle Micron's industrial waste, funded entirely by the company.