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City seeks study of Belton step sewer system to clarify capacity and ownership
Summary
Public Works staff proposed hiring a consultant to study the capacity, pump locations and ownership of the unusual 2-inch pressurized 'step' sewer line serving Belton; staff recommended Grayling Engineers pending final scope and fee negotiation.
Public Works staff told the St. Helens City Council on April 16 that the city needs a consultant-led capacity study of the Belton step sewer system to determine how many additional connections the 2-inch pressurized line can accept and to document pump locations and condition.
Staff described the line as an uncommon hybrid: individual properties have small septic tanks that pump effluent into a two-inch pressurized main that leads to the city sewer. The system dates to about 1990, and the city’s engineering files do not include a capacity matrix or comprehensive maps. Staff said the city is aware of 11 connected properties and eight pump locations but identified significant unknowns, including pump condition and whether other properties in adjacent areas could connect.
City staff said the system’s ownership and maintenance responsibilities are unclear under city code: the code’s language appears to indicate the city owns pumps and lines into the pump while property owners are responsible for maintenance, a setup staff described as “vague” and a potential liability. Staff recommended hiring a consultant with specialized hydraulic modeling software to perform field surveys, pressure monitoring and mapping; staff said the work could cost in a range that will be set during scoping.
The memorandum indicated two consultant proposals were submitted; staff told council the selection committee recommended Grayling Engineers and said the council would see a personal-services agreement with refined scope and fee if the council awards the study. A senior public-works official summarized the study’s deliverables: maps locating pumps, condition assessments, and a capacity determination to guide future development connections.
Councilors asked whether the study would divert resources from higher-priority projects; staff said it would be proactive and that budget capacity existed to perform the study without displacing critical June 30 priorities. No formal contract award was recorded during the work session; staff said the fee will be finalized in the scoping meeting with the consultant and brought back as a personal-services agreement for execution.
