Overview
The Traverse City Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant serves roughly 15,000 Traverse City residents, roughly 30,000 township residents, and local industries. Capable of treating 8.5 million gallons per day, the TCRWWTP helps protect the sensitive environments of the Boardman River and Grand Traverse Bay. Originally built in 1932, the facility has been upgraded several times, and now employs advanced membrane filtration technology to produce high-quality treated effluent that helps sustain public and environmental health.
Traverse City formed a partnership with CH2M (now Jacobs) in 1990 to operate and maintain the TCRWWTP. During this 30+ year partnership, the City and Jacobs have improved operating efficiency, saved millions of dollars in operating costs, and won recognition for excellence in operations and safety from the State of Michigan and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Report an Odor from the Wastewater Treatment Plant
Are you noticing an odor from the Wastewater Treatment Plant?
Call Staff: (231) 922-4921
within the community and will remain so for a long time. It is imperative to ensure the best experience for all residents.
Odor Mitigation: Next Steps
The City is currently in the process of designing significant upgrades to the headworks portion of the plant, with construction slated for 2025. These upgrades are focused on the area’s most prone to unpleasant odors and will play a role in mitigating them.
Additionally, the City has been planning an extensive odor control study to further understand and improve odor control. This study, scheduled for early 2025, will analyze our current system, identify odor sources, assess their community impact, and determine the most cost-effective solutions to mitigate these odors. Community engagement will be a vital component of this process, and we will encourage residents to participate actively when called upon.
Our commitment to improving the living environment remains steady, and we believe these measures will enhance air quality around the facility. We appreciate the public's patience during this process and look forward to collaborating with the community to achieve our objectives.
Check out this video of the Wastewater Treatment Plant highlighting some of the functions and history of the plant!