Board approves wastewater draw; NPDES permit renewal delaying final completion

The Crown Point Board of Public Works and Safety approved a $328,946.26 draw request on May 21 to pay for additional work on the Phase 1 wastewater improvements project, city staff said. The board approved the invoice by voice vote.

Utilities staff said the main construction for the Phase 1 project is essentially complete and the facility is up and ready to run, but final completion is held up while the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit is reissued. Staff said the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is pushing for stricter phosphorus limits and that the permit reissuance is causing the delay; the city expects to receive the renewed permit but must wait before discharging from the facility.

A staff member identified as Al told the board that some additional work items had been solicited as change orders and that contingency funds remain to address those items. The board approved the draw request (described as draw number 7) to release funds for the current invoice.

Board members discussed the permit process and expressed understanding that the delay is administrative and regulatory. Staff said the city’s regulatory specialist who previously worked with the permitting agency is coordinating the matter.