Craig Vorpahl details Post Falls wastewater treatment upgrades to meet phosphorus limits

The Post Falls City Council meeting on December 17, 2024, featured a significant update from Utilities Manager Craig Vorpahl regarding the city's wastewater treatment advancements. Vorpahl outlined the necessity for new tertiary treatment technologies at the water reclamation facility to meet stricter phosphorus discharge limits set by environmental regulations.

Vorpahl explained that while the existing secondary treatment process effectively removes 96% of phosphorus from wastewater, it still falls short of the required limit of 3.19 pounds per day. To address this, the city is investing $2.8 million in the fiscal year 2025 budget for the construction of additional treatment facilities. These new systems will enhance the existing processes by incorporating tertiary clarification and membrane filtration, which are designed to further reduce phosphorus levels.

The presentation included a detailed explanation of the current treatment process, which involves biological methods to remove pollutants, followed by disinfection before the treated water is released into the Spokane River. Vorpahl emphasized the importance of these upgrades, noting that the new technologies will not only help meet regulatory standards but also improve the overall efficiency of the wastewater treatment process.

In addition to the primary discussion on wastewater treatment, Vorpahl highlighted the financial savings achieved through the construction of equalization basins, which help manage fluctuations in wastewater flow and reduce design costs for new facilities.

The meeting underscored the city's commitment to environmental stewardship and compliance with state regulations, marking a proactive step towards sustainable water management in Post Falls. The council's approval of the budget for these improvements is expected to pave the way for enhanced water quality and environmental protection in the region.