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City manager reports DEQ findings: stormwater BMPs missing, wastewater lab compliance issues
Summary
City Manager Holly Phelps summarized recent DEQ biannual inspections that found missing best management practices for a new stormwater inlet, inadequate spill‑prevention at a construction dumping station, and three laboratory‑related wastewater plant violations; staff will respond and update documentation.
Lewistown — City Manager Holly Phelps told commissioners on May 4 that recent Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) inspections identified deficiencies at multiple sites and that staff will prepare responses and corrective actions.
Phelps summarized the inspection findings: inspectors noted no best management practices for a newly installed stormwater inlet, inadequate spill‑prevention and response procedures at a construction dumping station (including oil storage), and three laboratory‑related violations at the wastewater plant tied to testing and calculations. "We have some time to respond to them," she said, adding that staff will update documentation and work to address the items.
Why it matters: Stormwater and wastewater compliance affects regulatory standing, potential fines, and public health. Commissioners and staff discussed the need for consistent oversight and the value of a dedicated supervisor to catch training and reporting gaps sooner.
What happens next: Manager Phelps said staff will prepare formal responses to DEQ and update records; commissioners discussed reviewing the inspection report in depth and ensuring departments have appropriate compliance oversight.
Closing note: No enforcement action or fines were reported at the meeting; the item was recorded for staff follow‑up and reporting to the commission.
