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Wastewater engineers: plant and collection mains nearing capacity; lift stations lack permanent backup power
Summary
The wastewater PER shows Columbia Falls’ treatment plant is meeting current permits but is projected to hit capacity by 2028–2032 under baseline growth; models also identify overcapacity gravity mains, stressed lift stations and no permanent backup power at stations, prompting recommendations for upgrades and redundancy.
Engineers presenting Columbia Falls’ wastewater preliminary engineering report told residents that while the treatment plant currently meets permit limits, several collection system components and the plant itself will need upgrades to handle projected growth.
"Right now the plant is about 0.68 (million gallons per day) and policy choices could set a planning limit around 0.71," said a presenting engineer identifying themselves as CR. The consultants showed projections that under the chosen 2.3% growth rate the plant’s effective capacity could be reached between roughly 2028 and 2032 without upgrades.
The sewer model…
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