Operations staff provided a routine operations update at the June 15 meeting covering lab proficiency testing, biosolids sampling, lift-station/pole work and a software purchase.

Craig (staff member) told the group the DMR proficiency testing (PT/QA) work for the year has been completed and submitted to the provider ERA; results will be finalized in August and then sent to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. "We have completed that and all of our results have been submitted to our PT provider, which is ERA out of Colorado," Craig said.

Craig and other operations staff said they have been running the gravity-belt thickener to move sludge into storage tanks "a couple of 2, 3 days a week" until the digester is emptied and the system is ready for fall biosolids application. Staff said biosolids soil sampling will be performed after Sept. 1 to remain compliant with land-application requirements.

Maintenance work: staff reported pole replacements coordinated with Minnesota Power in the East Cooch area and continued field maintenance.

Remote access and monitoring: staff also described a newly purchased TeamViewer license that allows remote monitoring and control of plant systems by multiple users simultaneously. "More than 1 person can be on it at the same time and monitor it," Craig said. Staff reported they secured a multi-year commitment at a lower price and the budget committee approved proceeding.

PFOS/PFAS monitoring and training: Craig said he will attend the Minnesota Water Works Association annual conference in Grand Rapids for a biosolids refresher and to learn updates on PFOS testing and future requirements.

No formal board action was taken on these operational items; they were presented as staff updates.