Sanitary Sewers

Marion's wastewater system is defined by two primary trunk line sewers, following the Indian and Squaw Creek drainage corridors. Wastewater treatment is provided regionally, by the Cedar Rapids Wastewater Treatment Plant. Future growth creates the following issues for the system:

• Trunk Sewer System Capacity. Extensions or expansions of the trunk sewer system will be needed to accommodate future growth to the northwest and northeast.
• Trunk System Financing. The financing of major trunk and interceptor sewer extensions poses significant challenges for the city. Marion should consider establishing a connection (or benefit) fee program to finance these necessary but costly system extensions and enhancements. This program provides front-end financing and reimbursement by the fees charged to lots that are served by the improvement.
• Plant Capacity. Based on future growth forecasts, additional capacity will be needed for Marion at the plant between 2005 and 2010. Planning and negotiations should begin immediately to expand capacity allocated to the city.
• Conditions of Existing System. The city should provide regular funding for needed rehabilitation of sewer lines in older areas.

Stormwater Management

In 1984, the City of Marion adopted a Stormwater Management Policy which governs design standards and stormwater design in new development areas. The policy mandates a Master Drainage Plan and requires preparation of and compliance with grading and drainage plans for each subdivision. The plan also defines the roles of the city and developers in financing stormwater improvements and creates an impact fee to finance storm management improvements.

Major issues and priorities for the stormwater system include:

• Existing Stormwater Network. The city should provide a regular source of funding to address deficiencies in the stormwater system, including construction of missing storm sewer segments and enlargement of intakes.
• Multi-Use Greenway Corridors. The development of greenway corridors in new developments can provide an important amenity for residents and increase the carrying capacity of surface drainageways.
• Stormwater Management Policy. Marion should continue administration and enforcement of its effective and systematic policy for managing stormwater.

Water Supply

Marion's municipal water is supplied by five wells located around the city. Issues relating to water supply and distribution that will emerge during the planning period follow:

• Well Construction and Replacement. Well #3 at 5th Avenue and 31st Street, will require replacement. In addition, a new high capacity well will be needed east of 35th Street.
• Unserved Areas. Some scattered areas within the Marion corporate limits currently lack water service.
• Ongoing Service Expansions. Marion's municipal water system should continue to provide water service to new developing areas identified within the comprehensive plan.
• Repair of the Existing System. The city should continue an ongoing program of replacement and repair in areas that experience problems of aging or undersized mains.

Solid Waste Management

Marion is a partner in Bluestem, Linn County's regional solid waste management consortium. Marion should continue to expand waste stream reduction programs and participate in the Bluestem consortium.