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City hears HDR report on wastewater odor controls and well‑field replacement options
Summary
HDR engineers briefed the commission on odor control testing at the East Wastewater Treatment Plant and on options to replace or relocate wells the state classifies as groundwater under the direct influence of surface water; staff recommended phased testing and a well‑drilling verification program.
City engineers and HDR consultants updated the commission on two utility issues tied to public complaints and regulatory decisions: long‑standing odor at the East Wastewater Treatment Plant and a KDHE/EPA finding that four municipal wells are “ground water under the direct influence of surface water,” which limits their use without treatment upgrades.
HDR project manager Matt Bond told the commission: “The predominant odors constituent is hydrogen sulfide. It's the rotten egg smell that you smell.” Bond reviewed the existing activated carbon odor‑control system at the plant and said the system appears to be working, but recommended a targeted odor study: air and liquid sampling at multiple plant locations, short‑term continuous analyzers for roughly two weeks, and an evaluation of operational practices and treatment options. That study would identify which units and times most often produce off‑site odors and then produce a phased recommendation for additional covers, treatment units or other mitigations.
On the well field, HDR described a regulatory outcome in which the EPA and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment determined four city wells are under the direct influence of surface water. The classification means the wells can’t be used unless they meet treatment requirements for surface water or are replaced or relocated. Bond said HDR’s recommendation is to drill and test replacement well sites at least 200 feet from the river and, if results confirm expected yield, install 1,200‑gallons‑per‑minute wells (with an option to bid a third well). The consultants noted permitting and drilling costs can vary widely, and they recommended a preliminary drilling and verification phase rather than immediate full replacement.
HDR also advised the commission to reapply to the Kansas Water Office grant program in the next cycle to offset design and drilling costs and suggested splitting design work so preliminary drilling could be funded first while the city seeks grant funds for the remainder.
Commissioners asked about costs and timelines, the effect of riverbank erosion on setback requirements, and how the city would ensure long‑term well yields. Bond said the city would include a safety margin beyond the KDHE 200‑foot guideline to account for erosion and recommended designing the project to allow phased drilling and verification.
City staff said no formal action was required that night; HDR will provide a study scope and cost estimate and support grant applications for drilling and design.
