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Colfax council approves acceptance of new SAF unit at wastewater plant; state sign-off requested
Summary
City council authorized the city manager to accept a new solid air flotation (SAF) unit installed at the Colfax wastewater treatment plant after staff confirmed mechanical testing and explained that algae conditions prevented a final chemical test; staff will obtain a letter from state staff before final administrative closeout.
The Colfax City Council on May 28 authorized the city manager to accept a recently installed solid air flotation (SAF) unit at the city wastewater treatment plant, contingent on confirmation from state staff. Plant operator Matt Anderson told the council that the SAF unit — designed to remove algae from pond water before further treatment — has passed mechanical testing but could not be validated with a chemical performance test because the ponds currently contain virtually no algae.
Anderson said processing test flows into the unit now would risk the city’s permit because the unit is intended to remove algae-laden water, and there is “literally… nothing to test.” He asked council to approve administrative acceptance so staff can continue processing pond water ahead of winter and finalize documentation. City staff said they will secure a letter from state staff (Jim Flutter, referenced by staff) confirming that a chemical test is not required at this time before final administrative closure.
Council members praised plant staff for recent operational improvements: several council members reported visiting the plant and said they were impressed by its cleanliness and reduced odors. Following discussion, the council voted unanimously to authorize the city manager to accept the SAF unit, with staff to obtain the requested state concurrence letter.
The city manager and plant operator said the SAF installation is part of ongoing system upgrades and capital-improvement planning that aim to maintain permit compliance and reduce operational costs.
