(ANGOLA) - Angola Mayor Dave Martin is using his July City Moment message to highlight the city's wastewater system and the employees who keep it running.
Martin says the city's wastewater treatment process begins with a collection system made up of more than 60 miles of underground pipe.
The system continues to grow and will soon extend from the I-69 rest area south of Angola to the northern limits of Pokagon State Park. From east to west, the system stretches from Angola High School to Love's Travel Stop at U.S. 20 and I-69.
How The System Works
Martin says Angola's wastewater pipes are made from several materials, including concrete, clay tile and plastic.
Some sections are new, while others have served the community since the 1800s. The mayor says maintaining the network requires ongoing inspection, repair and replacement.
Whenever possible, wastewater moves through the system by gravity. Because terrain and elevation changes do not always allow that, the city also operates pumping stations throughout the community.
Those lift stations move wastewater to higher elevations so it can continue toward the wastewater treatment plant.
At The Treatment Plant
Once wastewater reaches the treatment plant, Martin says it is screened, settled, biologically treated, clarified and disinfected before being safely returned to the environment.
The mayor says the water is cleaned to standards established by state and federal environmental regulations before the process is complete.
Martin says the wastewater system represents a significant investment by Angola residents, just like the city's water utility.
He says city utility employees monitor equipment, maintain infrastructure, respond to emergencies and make sure the system operates safely and efficiently.
July Reminders
The city's July bulk collection is scheduled for July 22 and 23.
Brush collection begins the first Monday of the month, beginning in April and continuing each month until snowfall. The city says brush must be at the curb by 7 a.m. on the first Monday of the month.
The city is also reminding residents not to dispose of lawn debris in storm drains.
The Angola Police Department is asking commercial and industrial business owners and managers within the city to complete an emergency contact form so dispatchers have current contact information in the event of an after-hours alarm, maintenance issue or emergency.
The city says all five crosswalk murals are expected to be completed by the end of July. Residents should be aware of artists and crews working in the roadway.
Angola's July 4 celebration is also coming up at Commons Park, with the downtown parade, family activities, food vendors, live entertainment and fireworks at dusk.