Alpena City Council approves plan to halt external septic waste acceptance by 2025

In the dimly lit chambers of Alpena's City Hall, city officials gathered on December 16, 2024, to address a pressing issue that has quietly evolved over the years—the acceptance of septic waste at the local water recycling plant. Once a source of revenue, the practice of accepting septage from external contractors has become a burden, prompting the council to consider significant changes.

Since its inception in 2008, the city’s facility has received household waste from septic systems, primarily from neighboring counties in Northern Lower Michigan. Initially, this operation was self-sustaining and low-impact, generating income for the city. However, as maintenance costs and regulatory pressures have increased, the negative impacts have begun to outweigh the benefits. City officials estimate that approximately $150,000 is needed to upgrade the facility's outdated controls and monitoring systems.

The state of Michigan has signaled that stricter regulations regarding septage receiving are on the horizon, which could include more rigorous testing and monitoring processes. Complaints about unpleasant odors during the offloading process have also surfaced, further complicating the city's decision to continue accepting this waste. As a result, many municipalities in the region have already ceased similar operations, leading to a surge in inquiries from contractors seeking to use Alpena's facility.

Currently, the plant processes around 200,000 gallons of septage each month, a volume that exceeds the recommended limits set by Veolia, the city's waste management partner. The council discussed the detrimental effects of septage on the treatment process, noting that it disrupts operations and diminishes the quality of water being treated.

In light of these challenges, the council proposed a phased approach to eliminate septage acceptance altogether. Starting January 1, 2025, the city plans to increase the charge for septage disposal from 9 cents to 15 cents per gallon, aligning with regional rates. Additionally, the city will stop issuing new permits to contractors and will limit the total amount of septage accepted to 100,000 gallons per month. By February 2025, the city aims to completely halt the acceptance of septage from outside sources.

As the meeting progressed, council members expressed their support for the proposed changes, recognizing the need to prioritize the facility's sustainability and the community's well-being. The decision marks a significant shift in Alpena's waste management strategy, reflecting broader trends in environmental regulation and public health concerns.

With the council's unanimous approval, Alpena is poised to take a decisive step towards a cleaner and more efficient water recycling process, leaving behind the complexities of septic waste management. As the city moves forward, it will be essential to monitor the impacts of these changes on both the local environment and the contractors who rely on septage disposal services.