Courtesy of The Bluffton News Banner: Holly Gaskill
The city of Bluffton celebrated the completion of its $32 million wastewater plant project with a ribbon cutting Wednesday.
Bluffton began the project in 2021 to replace the previous system, which the Indiana Department of Environmental Management determined to be nearing the end of its life and capacity. The plant was originally built in 1977, and a second was added in 1997.
The new plant was planned with a 20-year projection in mind, allowing for both the continued growth of the city of Bluffton and rural connections through the Regional Sewer District. It became fully operational in March.
Mayor Scott Mentzer recognized the completion of the plant as an important, albeit not glamorous, investment in Bluffton. He was joined by former Mayor John Whicker, who oversaw the project until his retirement in 2025, Bluffton Common Council members, city employees, the Wells County Chamber of Commerce and community members to mark the accomplishment with a ribbon cutting.
Those who attended Wednesday’s ribbon cutting and open house for Bluffton’s new wastewater treatment plant were able to tour the facility. Plant Supervisor Tony Fey discussed the new biological treatment processes above. (Photo by Holly Gaskill)
“This is not the kind of public investment that people see every day — in fact, when it’s working properly, most people don’t even know that it exists,” Mentzer said. “But this facility is one of our most important pieces of infrastructure that this community owns. Every school, home, healthcare facility, restaurant and business depends on a wastewater system that operates safely and reliably. This plant protects public health, protects the Wabash River and our environment, and provides not only capacity to Bluffton, but the capacity to the great Wells County Regional Sewer District to serve all of that community today and for decades to come.”
Mentzer commended Plant Supervisor Tony Fey and his staff for their work in moving over to and maintaining the new plant. He also recognized the James S. Jackson Company and DLZ for their work with the project.
In addition to an increased capacity, the new plant also uses a biological treatment process that is better for the environment than the former chemical process. Not having to buy chemicals also reduces costs for the city of Bluffton. Altogether, the plant better ensures that the community and the Wabash River remain safe and healthy.
Please view more photos from the event on our Facebook page.