Wastewater Treatment Plant

Jackson wastewater treatment plant

The Wastewater Treatment Plant was originally constructed in 1937, and has received numerous upgrades since its construction. While some of the operating equipment and facilities are still original, the wastewater treatment plant and process equipment are continuously monitored and assessed to determine which improvements and upgrades are necessary to allow for the best possible treatment of the wastewater.

Notice of Project Plan Public Hearing

The City of Jackson will hold a public hearing to receive comments on the proposed Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Planning Document for Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) improvements. The hearing will be held on March 21, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. during the regular City Council meeting. The hearing will be live-streamed on the City of Jackson Facebook page and will air on Cable Channel 21-JTV.

The Planning Document focuses on replacing aged equipment, providing operational flexibility, and maintaining reliability of the WWTP. The proposed improvements are all at the WWTP site and include the grit system, storm pump station, control vault, retention basin flow control, final clarifiers, disinfection system, digesters, and provisions for standby power. There are no negative long-term impacts associated with the proposed improvements. Construction activities are expected to have only a short-term disruption within the WWTP site.

The City is requesting CWSRF loans for the total project design and construction costs which are estimated at $34,300,000. The estimated ultimate increase to the annual sewer budget associated with the CWSRF loans is $2,253,000. User rate increases of 5 to 6% are anticipated.

Beginning March 3, 2023, the draft Planning Document will be available for public review on this page. 

Issues viewing the Planning Document should be directed to the Public Information Officer, Aaron Dimick at adimick@cityofjackson.org or (517) 768-6458.

All interested parties are invited to submit written comments on the proposed Planning Document. All comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. on March 21, 2023, to be considered part of the public record. Written comments may be mailed or placed in the drop box in front of City Hall: City of Jackson, Attn: City Clerk, 161 W Michigan Ave, Jackson, MI 49201, or emailed to comments@cityofjackson.org.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Construction Notice

Construction of upgrades and improvements to the City of Jackson Wastewater Treatment Plant, located at 2995 Lansing Avenue in Jackson, Michigan were financed by the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF).  The CWSRF program is administered by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy with joint funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the State of Michigan. This project will involve the replacement of clarifier equipment, pumping equipment and controls, and electrical equipment, and will provide water quality benefits by increasing equipment efficiencies, reducing operation and maintenance demand, and providing a greater level of reliability for community residents and businesses in and near Jackson, Michigan. CWSRF programs operate around the country to provide states and communities with the resources necessary to maintain and improve the infrastructure that protects our valuable water resources nationwide.

Plant Customers

The Jackson Wastewater Treatment Plant serves the City of Jackson, as well as parts of:

  • Blackman Township
  • Napoleon Township
  • Spring Arbor / Sandstone Townships
  • Summit Township
  • Rives Junction
  • State Prison of Southern Michigan

Treatment Process

The wastewater treatment plant has the capacity to treat 18.8 million gallons of wastewater per day. Currently, the plant accepts an average of 12 million gallons per day. The activated sludge treatment process removes pollutants from the wastewater that is received.

As part of the treatment process, the plant produces biosolids. The biosolids are treated and recycled onto area farm fields as a soil enhancement and fertilizer or it is disposed of at the county landfill. Approximately 3 million gallons are placed on area farm fields annually and about 2,000 cubic yards per year are disposed of at a county designated landfill.

Laboratory Personnel

The city’s on-site and contract laboratory personnel perform multiple chemical tests on the influent (the incoming wastewater), on the treatment processes throughout the plant, and on the effluent (the plant discharge water). Our laboratory personnel also monitor and sample the influent flow from our township customers.

Industrial Pretreatment Program

Our Industrial Pretreatment Program (IPP) staff inspect and sample all the non-domestic facilities that discharge wastewater to the city wastewater treatment plant, and perform enforcement actions if required. In 2011, the city’s IPP Supervisor, Daveda Quinn, was recognized by the Michigan Water Environment Association as the IPP Professional of the Year.

Maintenance & Sludge Personnel

Our maintenance and sludge personnel maintain 16 buildings, multiple vehicles, 62 process tanks, and 9 city sewage lift stations. The property and buildings contain numerous pieces of machinery, piping and plumbing, electrical, and control equipment.

Additional Information

If you have questions, or are interested in a tour of the City of Jackson’s wastewater treatment plant, please contact us at 517-788-4075.