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City receives biosolids implementation schedule; wastewater upgrades include ARPA‑funded electrical work
Summary
Staff presented an implementation schedule after a citizen storm‑related complaint; commissioners heard that a technical memo on biosolids disposal is due in March and that ARPA funds are supporting electrical upgrades at wastewater plants.
City staff summarized an implementation schedule responding to a citizen complaint about biosolids disposal practices and described next steps for wastewater plant upgrades.
Per the packet materials and staff remarks, consultants and city staff will conduct surveying, prepare a technical memo about future biosolids disposal methods (targeted for March 2025), and present findings to the commission and relevant committees. Staff said temporary measures are planned while longer‑term options are evaluated and that the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will be kept informed.
Commissioners also asked about recent grant activity tied to wastewater infrastructure. Staff said the city has used ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) allocations and competitive grant awards to fund electrical upgrades at the wastewater treatment plants; those projects were described as separate from the biosolids evaluation and are moving forward this summer.
Why it matters: biosolids disposal and wastewater plant upgrades affect public health, regulatory compliance and long‑term operating costs. The technical memo and subsequent presentations will inform any policy decisions or contract changes the commission must approve.
Staff said they would share DEQ responses and present a technical memo and committee briefing when consulting work is complete.
