Johnson Utilities made it through summer with its water systems operating well, there weren’t any pressure issues reported and the utility had sufficient water to meet demand, the company’s interim manager, EPCOR, told the Arizona Corporation Commission Sept. 22.

The update by EPCOR was at the ACC’s monthly open meeting to discuss and vote on various utilities and securities agenda items.

“Odor mitigation efforts in Section 11 include sealing up headworks, regulating water levels, chemical addition to wetlands, increasing contact time with aerators, removing old sludge from deep settling zones and increasing the Ecosorb misting system were completed and improvements have been seen from them,” EPCOR said, according to a release.

“However, some of the work that was completed does result in discreet and periodic odor emissions. A significant reduction in odors has been observed through hydrogen sulfide loggers located around the community surrounding the facility. Efforts are being made to further reduce odor emissions on the entire collection system," the release states.

EPCOR reported that expansion of the Pecan plant is a priority project but is on hold due to ownership delaying financing for the project, the ACC said in the release.

EPCOR is working with the Town of Queen Creek on terms and conditions of an interconnection agreement. Preliminary design concepts are being developed for potential interconnect points between Johnson Utilities and Queen Creek sewer collection systems, the release states.

“This will provide relief to Pecan water reclamation facility and Section 11 water reclamation facility. An update on this project will be provided at the October open meeting,” according to the release.

Regarding the company’s customer care and outreach, overall customer satisfaction is at 87%, EPCOR reported.

Johnson Utilities’ Pecan Water Reclamation Plant

Johnson Utilities, as represented by Jeffrey Crockett, has been directed to file a financing application with the commission for authorization to obtain financing to cover whatever portion of the $17,938,374.40 costs of the Pecan Water Reclamation Phase IV Expansion and IPS and Headworks Replacement is not met through an equity infusion by the owner or by internally generated funds, according to the release.

Johnson Utilities’ request for clarification of previous commission decisions was denied because their decisions were not ambiguous, it states.

All documents related to this agenda item can be found in the Arizona Corporation Commission’s online docket at edocket.azcc.gov and entering docket number WS-02987A-18-0050.

Arizona Corporation Commission

The Arizona Corporation Commission was established by the state’s constitution to regulate public utilities and business incorporation. The commission is Arizona’s co-equal, fourth branch of government.​

The five commissioners elected to the commission oversee executive, legislative, and judicial proceedings on behalf of Arizonans when it comes to their water, electricity, telephone, and natural gas resources as well as the regulation of securities, pipeline, and railroad safety.

To learn more about the Arizona Corporation Commission and its commissioners, go to azcc.gov.