Crook County signs temporary IGA with Prineville to transport septage to city plant

The Crook County Board of Commissioners approved an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) on Jan. 8 with the City of Prineville to allow county septage deliveries to be accepted and treated at the city wastewater facility. The agreement runs six months with a free option to extend for an additional six months and pays the city 7 cents per gallon for treatment.

Background and partners: Assistant county counsel John Eisler described the IGA as the final document needed after several weeks of urgent work to resolve where septage delivered to the county landfill would be processed. The county identified the City of Prineville and Muck Septic (a private hauler) as partners; Muck Septic transports septage from the county landfill to the city plant.

Terms and risks: The IGA contains provisions allowing Prineville to terminate if changes in law or DEQ approvals prevent continued service, or if adverse effects at the wastewater treatment plant cannot be remedied after a pause and inspection period. Commissioners thanked city staff and noted that the agreement resolves the county’s immediate disposal need while acknowledging that longer-term solutions may be necessary.

Formal action: The board voted to approve the wastewater disposal IGA with the City of Prineville. The motion passed with recorded “Aye” votes from the commissioners present.

Ending: County staff said operations have already been underway since late December and that the IGA is intended as a short-term solution while the county and city evaluate longer-term septage handling options.