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Wastewater Improvements Brief

6/18/2026

CITY OF PILOT GROVE, MO

WASTEWATER IMPROVEMENTS

The City of Pilot Grove’s wastewater treatment system improvements will include inflow and infiltration rehabilitation of the collection system, elimination of a single cell lagoon and two sand filters at the East Wastewater Treatment Plant, and redirections of the flows to the East plant by a new lift station and force main. The work at the east plant will convert the facility from a lagoon/sand filter system to a Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) system with ultraviolet disinfection. The existing lagoon will be converted to a flow equalization basin. One sand filter will be converted to a sludge holding basin and one sand filter will be eliminated.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is providing $4.8 million in funding to the city of Pilot Grove for a $6.28 million overhaul of its wastewater treatment system. The projects aim to reduce untreated discharges and improve water quality in Petite Saline Creek.

Project Details

  • Total Estimated Cost: $6.28 million
  • Target Completion: May 2027
  • Primary Goal: Upgrade facilities to reduce pollutants entering Petite Saline Creek. 

Funding Breakdown

The state funding package is structured to save Pilot Grove ratepayers roughly $1.5 million in interest over the life of the loan. It includes: 

  • $2.76 million grant through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund
  • $2 million loan through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund
  • $750,000 Community Development Block Grant
  • $700,000 in local city funding plus Engineering and Legal fees already incurred

Contractors & Upgrades

The overhaul is divided into two primary projects being handled by regional contractors: 

  • Collection System: Contract awarded to Bennett Inc. of Lamar. Estimated Construction time line: May 2026-Dec. 2026
  • Facility Upgrades: Contract awarded to Smico Inc. of Odessa. Estimated Construction time line: May 2026-May 2027