Hollister council members Monday are set to hear about a proposal for an alternative treatment method at the wastewater plant that involves a floating wetland using plants instead of aerators.
Council members are set to hear a presentation at the 7 p.m. Monday meeting at Hollister City Hall, 375 Fifth St.
The alternative treatment comes after last summer’s odor issues originating at the industrial pond portion of the treatment plant at the end of South Street. City officials attributed the widespread odor problems to low pH levels and then malfunctioning aerators at the industrial pond.
Shortly after the issues, Mayor Ignacio Velazquez broached the idea to use wetlands—a form of which city officials considered employing about a decade ago when planning for the new treatment plant at the time—instead of the aerators.
City officials believe it could cut out the odor issue while reducing the amount of sludge and cutting back on energy use.
Council members Monday will hear about the idea and a proposal submitted by Floating Islands West, LLC.
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