Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
Officials in the village of Oak Harbor are continuing planning efforts for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-mandated replacement of their wastewater treatment plant, a major infrastructure project currently estimated to cost approximately $25 million.
The Ohio EPA and the U.S. EPA have placed the village under a compliance schedule requiring the replacement of the aging facility to meet current treatment regulations by 2029. To help finance the project, village council recently approved legislation authorizing the village administrator to apply for, accept and enter into a Water Pollution Control Loan Fund agreement through the Ohio EPA and the Ohio Water Development Authority. The program offers financing at interest rates of less than one percent.
“We have pursued grants, low-interest loans, legislative line items and more for this project,” Oak Harbor mayor Quinton Babcock said. “Unfortunately, the EPA’s expectation is that communities pay for this type of infrastructure through customer sewer rates.”
The village has secured a small amount in forgivable loans to offset a portion of the project’s cost. Under the current EPA timeline, construction must begin next year and is anticipated to be completed by 2029.
“Because we are operating under a strict timeline and grant funding is limited, we are evaluating every option to reduce the financial impact on our community,” Babcock said.
Village officials continue to evaluate financial options and the potential effect on future sewer rates. While no decisions have been finalized, officials say they are committed to keeping residents informed as plans and rate information become available.
Originally built in the 1950s, the wastewater treatment plant is a critical piece of Oak Harbor’s public infrastructure, protecting public health, safeguarding the environment and supporting future growth. Replacing the facility will ensure the village continues to meet state and federal regulations while providing reliable service for many years to come.
Additional updates will be shared during village council meetings, through public notices and on the village’s communication channels as the project moves forward.
