Council approves phase 2 of sanitary sewer I&I study; federal grant covers most cost

Matt Reid of SEH told the Committee of the Whole that the city will move to phase 2 of an infiltration and inflow (I&I) sanitary sewer study, using flow meter data collected in the first phase to target areas for smoke testing and other diagnostic work. The objective is to identify private-side leaks and connections that increase flows into the sanitary system and reduce treatment-plant capacity.

“This is phase 2…we got another grant from the MPCA to do some additional testing on the private side of things,” Reid said. He reported that roughly $58,500 would be covered by the MPCA grant and the city’s share would be about $6,500.

Councilor Johnson moved to approve the professional services agreement for the I&I planning study phase 2; Councilor Frehlebe seconded. The motion carried on voice vote—council members signified approval by saying “aye.” No roll-call tally was recorded in the meeting minutes.

Why it matters: Prioritizing sewer repairs where infiltration and inflow are highest can reduce peak flows to the treatment plant and slow capital needs for plant expansion. The grant-funded work will permit targeted corrective actions rather than citywide replacement without diagnostic data.

What’s next: SEH will proceed with smoke testing and private-side investigation in the areas that the phase 1 flow monitoring identified. The city share noted in the meeting packet will be funded from the utility budget.

Ending: The agreement was approved by council; staff and SEH will proceed with the diagnostic work and report findings to council as the project advances.