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Council approves Fishbeck contract to map wastewater plant limits and study leachate/PFAS sources
Summary
The council authorized Fishbeck to perform a Maximum Allowable Headworks Loading (MALL) and local limits evaluation for up to $31,100 to identify what the wastewater plant can accept without violating its NPDES permit and to map contaminant 'fingers' for targeted testing, including PFAS.
Escanaba City Council on Feb. 20 approved a professional-services agreement with Fishbeck of Grand Rapids, Michigan, not to exceed $31,100 for a Maximum Allowable Headworks Loading (MALL) and local limits evaluation for the city wastewater plant.
Staff explained that the MALL study will estimate the quantities and concentrations the plant can accept and still meet National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit limits. The study will help the city identify whether the plant can accept septage, leachate or certain industrial discharges and will guide decisions on pretreatment, monitoring, and focused testing for contaminants including PFAS and heavy metals.
Fishbeck’s work was described as an 18-month effort; during the current fiscal year the city expects to spend a modest portion (staff estimated $4,000–$5,000) with the remainder to follow in future budget cycles. Staff said having a MALL and trunk-line testing will help the city determine which ‘finger’ or trunk line is contributing the bulk of specific contaminants so future enforcement or pretreatment efforts can be targeted.
Council discussion noted that recent plant improvements have reduced some issues (for example, copper and filamentous growth) and that the MALL study would add capacity to plan for potential future permit tightening. The motion to approve Fishbeck’s engagement passed on a recorded roll call with council support.
