Lewistown approves DEQ settlement and moves forward with screw-press biosolids plan

Lewistown commissioners on Sept. 17 approved a proposed settlement offered by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to resolve wastewater permit violations and authorized staff to proceed with a screw-press biosolids management option presented by the citys engineering consultant.

City staff said the DEQ settlement package reduces the monetary penalty and lays out a schedule of corrective actions; the total fine cited in the settlement package is $3,150 with most of the penalty forgiven and multiple milestones for corrective work, including 30- and 60-day items and later deliverables. Commissioners asked for legal review and practical assurances about DEQ approval windows; staff said engineers and plant staff will provide required documentation.

On biosolids disposal, engineers presented options including composting, drying beds and a screw press. Several commissioners said composting would require imported carbon sources and would not address capacity limits; the screw press was presented as more flexible, expandable and effective at meeting future needs. The commission voted to proceed with the screw-press option and begin design and procurement steps so construction can be bid in time to meet the compliance deadline (noted as December 2026 in staff planning).

The commission approved the consent settlement and the screw-press planning on separate votes. Staff will coordinate with the engineering firm and DEQ while preparing the design and a capital-improvement plan that includes maintenance and replacement assumptions for long-term budgeting.