Sewer

Wastewater Plant

Original Facility

Frankfort's first wastewater treatment plant was originally constructed from 1955 to 1957 with grit removal, primary settling basins, a sludge thickener and two-stage anaerobic digestion with sludge drying beds. Chlorine was used for disinfection prior to discharge into the Kentucky River. 

Sewer plant aerial photo

In 1978 to 1980, a new secondary activated sludge "oxidation ditch" type wastewater treatment plant was constructed and the disinfection process was changed to Ozone, which is more efficient and environmentally safe. This was a state-of-the-art design, and the first of its kind in Kentucky.

Current Facility

The recent 2001 expansion increased the plant from a 6.6 MGD (million gallons per day) facility to a 9.9 MGD facility. This increase provides additional capacity to serve the needs of the Frankfort community for the immediate future.

Sewer Programs

The Sewer Department currently has a Long-Term Control Plan for its Combined Sewer System (CSO) and a Sanitary Sewer Overflow Plan (SSOP) for its Sanitary Separate Sewer System. Both of these programs will require large expenditures to meet Federal and State regulatory requirements.

Fats, Oils & Grease (FOG) Program

The City of Frankfort Sewer Department has a FOG program to reduce the amount of these materials entering our sewer system. FOG can cause backups in your lateral lines or in the Sewer Department mains that can send sewage into your home or business. For more information on the Sewer Information link to the right, then look for the FOG Program.

Information for Residents

It is illegal to connect a storm water drain, downspouts, foundation sump pump, or any other storm water to a separate sanitary sewer. Any person, firm, or corporation connecting surface or subsurface storm water to a separate sanitary sewer shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined.

Note: Although there is no extra charge for our service (work is financed by sewer bills), we will not assume the cost of your contractor's call, regardless of the location of the stoppage.

Tap Permit Restrictions

In accordance with the recently adopted ordinance number 22, 2014 series, (adopted November 24, 2014), a property owner of any property within the city limits that has delinquent taxes, fees, fines, or liens shall be required to pay such in full for all properties within the City limits, prior to the city issuing any:

  • Board requests
  • Building or electric inspections
  • License
  • Occupancy
  • Permit
  • Rental inspections
  • Sewer connections
  • Any other action requiring City approval

Due to this, the Sewer Department will no longer be able to issue Tap Permits immediately. Permits will be issued within 3 working days of the permit application.

Storm Water Program Presentation (PDF)

Franklin County / City of Frankfort Storm Water Program

Clean Waterways Program Website

Clean Waterways Program website