Haulers warn closure of septage receiving at Alpena plant could force small companies out of business

Local septic contractors and county health officials told the Alpena City Council on May 5 that the city’s decision to stop or restrict acceptance of septage at the wastewater plant will create regional disposal challenges and economic strain for small haulers.

Rich Gillespie, general manager of Alcona Septic Service, said the decision presents a looming operational and financial burden for small septic companies and their customers. Gillespie asked the council for more time or a phased transition, saying some haulers have not yet secured land‑application sites and that costs to customers are already rising. “If we could buy some time…maybe if you could stay open through part of most of the summer,” he said.

Ron (last name not specified) of Oscoda Septic said operators only received notification by letter at the plant and that contractors had limited opportunity to participate before the city raised the per‑gallon rate and moved toward closure. He described haulers’ experience as…