By Suzanne Adams-Ockrassa | Pinal Central
FLORENCE — EPCOR is following through on its promise to replace its Section 11 wastewater plant in northern Pinal County with a newer and hopefully less smelly alternative.
The Pinal County Board of Supervisors approved three agenda items on April 27 that would allow EPCOR to start the process of building the plant. The board approved a minor comprehensive plan amendment, a rezoning and an amendment to the planned area development overlay in a more than 32-acre triangular area south of East Judd Road and east of the railroad tracks in San Tan Valley.
The area had already been slated by Johnson Utilities as the location of a new wastewater plant to replace the aging and noncompliant Section 11 plant. Johnson Utilities was purchased by EPCOR in March 2021, with the understanding that EPCOR would build the new plant and fix a number of other issues Johnson Utilities had with its water and wastewater treatment facilities.
County staff said they received four letters in support of the plant and multiple emails opposing the plant. Most of the emails opposing the plant cited concerns about smell, noise and the plant being unsightly.
