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How El Paso wastewater treatment facility overcame and resolved the seage problem of the new west, by successfully operating to its full capacity.
FREMONT, CA: Sewage from two broken pipelines in west El Paso since August, 2021, has caused foul odors to permeate the area and aggravate the surrounding residents. As a result, the residents on the West Side have reported finding sewage making its way in their own homes, including inside their bathroom tubs. On Tuesday, January 11, 2022, the final step in repairing the west side sewage system was completed and the John T. Hickerson Reclamation Facility was fully operational. A reclamation facility is where wastewater is collected and treated so that it can be reused as clean and safe running water. Prior to Tuesday, Jan 11, the Hickerson Facility was collecting approximately 4 million gallons per day at a partial capacity. This fully operational facility will now collect approximately 10 million gallons of wastewater per day and clean it with microbes called bugs which will eat the organic waste material, says EP Water.
However, Minar Jai, who lives on the west side, remains dissatisfied with El Paso Water. She told ABC-7 that the sewage smell has persisted in her neighborhood near Emory and Frontera, causing her to experience health issues such as extreme allergies and high blood pressure, prompting her to visit the ER. Furthermore, Jai stated that she needed help as soon as possible as even after closing everything; the sewage entered the house through its AC vents. Jai's plea for assistance included a statement about how she should have good service from EP Water because she has paid her bills for several years. She also emphasized that having lived 22 years in that house; she deserved excellent service for paying the bill on time. EP Water completed the final connection on the Frontera pipeline on December 29th, with the hope that the foul sewage smell will dissipate over the next few weeks. After Tuesday, Jan 11, sewage will flow freely through their upgraded John T. Hickerson pump facility, and sewage will no longer enter the Rio Grande.
