(BENTON, IL) — The Benton City Council Monday night approved moving forward with its plans to replace the city’s sewer and wastewater treatment plant. The current facility is 76-years-old and is need of replacement. The city approved a draft of a 20-year loan from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency that includes a $20 minimum monthly rate. The current minimum rate is $13.65 for 2,000 gallons per month. An increase in sewer rates was approved at the meeting and will go into effect next month. The city has set aside $2 million for the project which will include an annual payment of $750,000. The new facility will be able to pump about 1.65 million gallons of city sludge daily. The city plans to vote on the final version of the state EPA loan at the next city council meeting Sept. 28.