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Council approves HPU condensate return at Memorial Building; staff say project pays back in 3–4 years
Summary
Hibbing City Council granted HPU permission to install a condensate return line at the Memorial Building (100% HPU‑funded). Staff said metering showed roughly 418,000 gallons annually and estimated the project at about $150,000 with a 3–4‑year payback.
Hibbing City Council voted Jan. 21 to allow Hibbing Public Utilities (HPU) to proceed with a condensate return line project at the Memorial Building, a utility‑funded effort city staff said would reduce sewer flows and recover heat.
Nick Rowa, the city service director, told the council the condensate return is an HPU project and would be 100% funded by HPU. Dave, identified as public utilities staff, said metering over the past year showed roughly 418 units for the condensate line and noted, “Each unit is 1,000 gallons,” which the staff presentation interpreted as about 418,000 gallons annually.
Council members asked whether the change would reduce treatment volume and energy use; councilmember discussion noted the project would route condensate back to the plant where it would not need as much reheating. Staff estimated the project cost at about $150,000 and said the utility expected a roughly 3–4‑year payback.
Council approved granting HPU access to begin interior work soon and to schedule exterior work for summer months to avoid ice and public events. The item was described as mutually beneficial to HPU and city operations, and staff said the project was expected to lower treatment and reheating costs.
What happens next: HPU will begin interior work in coming weeks and schedule outside work for July–August; staff will return with any required permits or construction agreements if needed.
