Commission reviews nutrient‑management plan tied to golf course reclaimed water; permit nearing completion

County staff and technical consultants presented an updated nutrient‑management and irrigation plan that would govern use of reclaimed wastewater for irrigation of the local golf course.

The presentation summarized hydraulic load calculations and seasonal irrigation volumes: the plan lists an average daily irrigation volume by month (for example, an effective irrigation volume cited for July of about 83,000 gallons per day) and an annual gross delivery estimated at roughly 53,000,000 gallons. Staff explained the plan follows state circular guidance for hydraulic load rates and includes tabled estimates of average irrigation and nutrient delivery. The presenter noted soil characteristics (clays limiting infiltration) and emphasized that operational irrigation decisions will remain in the operator’s control and vary with precipitation.

Permitting status and monitoring frequency were discussed at length. Staff said they had spoken with a DNRC contact (Chris Weigart) and that the permit paperwork is approved pending finalization. Commissioners and staff debated whether E. coli sampling should be monthly per Circular 2 or weekly; the plan as presented uses a monthly schedule for type‑C irrigation but left room to move to weekly testing for E. coli if required.

Procedures for testing and reporting were clarified: staff recommended local pre‑checks of samples using equipment at the school lab before sending samples to an external laboratory (Energy Labs) for final, guaranteed analysis, and agreed to forward test results and chlorination residual logs to the city so the city can maintain official records. The commission requested that the county incorporate a records‑transfer section into the operations and maintenance (O&M) manual to ensure the city receives required documentation.

Commissioners also discussed operational limits (don’t draw Cell 3 effluent below safe levels), possible transfers from Cell 2 to Cell 3 to maintain irrigation reserves, and the potential to adjust allowable nutrient applications if soil sampling at four‑year intervals suggests changes. Staff said the plan recommends periodic soil sampling to verify nutrient status and avoid overapplication.

Next steps: finalize the permit paperwork, add language to the O&M manual for recordkeeping and city reporting, and adjust sampling frequency if DEQ or DNRC requires. The commission left the item open for final permit completion and incorporation of agreed record‑transfer language.