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Council approves minor lakeshore variance to relocate sewer main at 422 Dakota Avenue
Summary
Whitefish approved a minor lakeshore variance (WLV24-3) to relocate a city sewer main and upgrade service, subject to 12 permit conditions including spill response and seasonal work restrictions.
The Whitefish City Council unanimously approved a standard lakeshore permit with a minor lakeshore variance (WLV24-3) on Jan. 6 to relocate a city sewer main at 422 Dakota Avenue.
Planner Lauren McDonald described the project as a relocation of an existing sanitary sewer main into the lakeshore protection zone to accommodate a proposed building project. The new public main will connect to an existing main on the north property line and extend "approximately 131 feet into the LPZ toward the southwest corner of the property," McDonald said. Construction will trench a roughly 4-foot-wide, 3-foot-deep section to install an 8-inch SDR 35 PVC line. McDonald said all work will be performed above the high watermark and not come into contact with the lake.
Staff notified adjacent landowners on Nov. 24, 2024; one public comment asked about a manhole odor and mitigation measures. McDonald said filters can be installed in shallow manholes to help reduce odors and that she had contacted the concerned property owner. The Lakeshore Protection Committee reviewed the application on Dec. 11, 2024 and unanimously recommended approval to council.
City staff and committee members recommended 12 conditions if the permit is issued. Council discussed two conditions flagged as especially relevant for this construction: condition 10 requires any mechanical equipment operating in the lakeshore protection zone to have a hazardous materials kit on hand to address any fuel, oil, hydraulic fluid or similar spills immediately; condition 11 permits mechanical equipment in the lakeshore protection zone only during "low water," which the permit defines as Aug. 15 to April 15.
Craig (public works/utility staff) said the relocation will improve long-term maintenance and service because the existing segment is not within an easement and currently lies under a deck. He said the relocation will better secure maintenance access and will ultimately benefit more than 100 properties by upgrading the main. Councilor Rebecca moved to approve the minor variance (WLV24-3); the motion was seconded by Councilor Furey and passed unanimously.
