Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Wastewater Cmar Projects topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Wausau commission forwards 2024 wastewater CMAR to council; headworks screening and Washington Street siphon projects discussed
Summary
The commission voted June 3 to forward the 2024 wastewater Compliance Maintenance Annual Report (CMAR) to the City Council; staff also previewed a major headworks screening project and a Washington Street siphon replacement.
The Wausau Water Works Commission on June 3 voted to forward the 2024 Compliance Maintenance Annual Report (CMAR) and an accompanying resolution to the City Council for approval at the June 10 council meeting.
Commissioners heard staff reports that the wastewater plant "has been running well" and that effluent and biosolids performance are meeting or exceeding requirements. Utility staff described two near-term capital projects: a headworks screening project beginning in June with a timeline that runs through late summer 2026, and a Washington Street siphon replacement that will reduce Washington Street to one lane for a few weeks during construction.
"This comes annually as you know. And it's really our, pretty much our self grading of the wastewater facility, which is reviewed by the DNR," Eric Lehman said while introducing the CMAR, adding that staff will monitor impacts from the headworks project so there are no significant impacts on final effluent and biosolids.
Commissioners also discussed nutrient issues, particularly phosphorus. One commissioner noted that urban residents bear the cost of phosphorus removal while much of the nutrient load comes from rural areas. Lehman said the plant has the capability to reduce phosphorus further and that staff continues to discuss nutrient trading approaches with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and other municipalities.
Energy use and biogas were discussed. Lehman said the plant is using some biogas for heat and electricity but has flared some; he noted an operational issue with moisture in biogas that affects new boilers and may require modification to the biogas system.
With a motion from Robinson and a second from Watson, commissioners voted by voice to forward the CMAR and resolution to council. The motion passed.
Staff will return with updates on project schedules and any changes needed to maintain effluent compliance during construction.
