Dayton plans to spend around $10 million to expand its lime reclamation facility, which recycles lime used in the water-softening process. It is one of only two city-owned/operated plants of its kind in the country.

Lime sludge, the waste residual from the softening process, is processed through a kiln that returns it to pebble lime, which can be used again for softening. The 265-foot-long kiln operates at temperatures up to about 2000°F.

The upgrades will improve Dayton’s ability to reclaim lime and sell it to other jurisdictions. The investment is expected to pay for itself in eight years, and after should generate approximately $1.6 million per year.