The Weirton Sanitary Board met in a special meeting Wednesday morning to discuss plans for a new pre-treatment water plant to be operated by Patriot Water Treatment LLC.

After much discussion, the board approved a resolution to set aside 300,000 gallons of water sewage to be treated by Patriot per day and allow staff to work with the business. Approval of the resolution was also stated to be contingent upon a satisfactory contract between the two entities and the approval of the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection.

Andrew Blocksom, president of Patriot Water Treatment LLC, stated he was pleased to be able to speak to Sanitary Board members and Weirton officials. He said he had spoken with Kevin Board, assistant sanitary director, to gather information regarding the process to locate an industrial waste water pre-treatment facility in Weirton.

Blocksom stated that the Ohio-based company's main focus is to provide water pre-treatment services for the West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania oil and natural gas industry. He said opportunities for growth will be present for the next 15 to 20 years.

"Our company is a local company with the desire to stay local and hire local people to work at our facilities," said Blocksom, adding that the initial hiring would be that of five to seven employees with the potential to grow to 15 plant workers and 20-30 driving positions while bringing $200,000 in revenue for the city as well.

Blocksom stated he had met with state Sen. Ed Bowman, D-Weirton, who was also present at the meeting, and thanked him for his cooperation. He said Bowman relayed to him that job creation in the area is of great importance and he will do what he can to help. He said among the first steps would be the approval of the Sanitary Board to move forward with plans with the staff and the WVDEP.

Mayor Mark Harris asked Utilities Director Butch Mastrantoni what he thought about the proposal since he was already well educated on the subject. Mastrantoni stated that he believes they could comply with what Patriot Water Treatment is asking for, referring to the 300,000 gallons of waste water. He added that he had been directed by staff that they are on board and willing to move forward with the project with the proviso of a take or pay contract, an agreement between a buyer and seller in which the buyer will still pay some amount even if the product or service is not provided.

Blocksom informed the board members that over a period of time, they would eventually like to reach the serving capacity at nearly 500,000 gallons per day.

Board member Geary Bullock asked if raising the treatment capacity would require a new line to be put in, depending on the location. Blocksom said even though no location has been decided at this time, Patriot Water Treatment would incur some of the costs to lay the new line if it must be done.

"It's only fair seeing as how it would be done at our request," he said.

According to Blocksom, Patriot Water Treatment will pre-treat the water, excluding hazardous materials, and final treatment will take place at the current Weirton Sewage Treatment Plant.

He stated he also plans to continue talks with City Manager Gary DuFour about the project and possible locations for the plant. He stated he does not want to slow growth down with delays that can be avoided.

(Dickson can be contacted at adickson@weirtondailytimes.com)