Kalispell council approves amended Glacier Gold sludge agreement, raises tipping fee

The Kalispell City Council on Monday approved an amendment to the city's sludge management agreement with Glacier Gold that extends the contract and increases tipping fees.

City Manager Doug Russell and Public Works Director Susie Turner told the council Glacier Gold will remain in operation until the city completes a dewatering project at the wastewater treatment plant, currently anticipated for completion in September 2026. The amendment extends the agreement from April 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2026, sets a tipping fee of $370 per dry ton effective July 1, 2025, and preserves the city's option to terminate with 60 days' notice to allow Glacier Gold time to prepare to close operations.

Russell introduced the item and Turner delivered the staff report, saying the company is preparing to close operations but will continue taking sludge until the city brings its dewatering equipment online. Councilor Dowd moved to approve the amendment; the motion passed on a roll-call vote with Councilors Dowd, Fisher, Hunter, Nunnally, Carlson, Gabriel and Council President Graham voting aye.

The amendment is presented as a bridge while the city completes its own dewatering upgrade; Turner said the dewatering project is expected to be finished by September 2026. The council did not add conditions to the amendment during the vote.

Background: The amendment was described as a short-term extension to avoid disruption in sludge handling while the city upgrades its dewatering equipment. The contract change increases the per-ton charge to cover costs during the extended term and includes the 60-day termination provision to let Glacier Gold prepare for final closure if necessary.

Council members asked no additional substantive amendments at the meeting. No public comments were offered on the amendment before the council voted.