Applegarth says he's excited about the project because the facility's water — which, after being treated by the membrane system, is expected to be cleaner than the Jordan River — will be used in the city's secondary irrigation system. Even better, when phase one of the estimated $138 million plant is completed in 2010, the system will handle 15 million gallons of waste per day from the area.

That relief is sorely needed, White says, as the district's options for leasing capacity at nearby treatment plants are quickly running out.

"That's why (Tuesday's) decision was so crucial that we can keep moving forward," White said. "At some point, the other entities would cease to let us use their capacity. As long as we keep moving forward, the other two entities have said they're willing to let us rent their excess capacity."

The district must still have its plans approved by the Department of Environmental Quality and receiving a building permit through the city before the project can be completed, but White said a major hurdle has been cleared, and that's a relief.

"This is exciting for us to finally have site plan approval," White said.

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E-mail: achoate@desnews.com