Staff reports: lab proficiency testing, boiler work, meters and an expired permit

District operations staff gave an update on compliance and equipment work at the June 16 meeting, reporting on proficiency testing, equipment replacement and a pending permit renewal.

Staff said the district participates each year in the DMR QA proficiency testing program and that samples are ordered from their PT provider (ERRA). "As soon as the EPA notifies everybody that the study is open, they'll send us the samples," the staff presenter said, describing the district's readiness to run, submit and receive results from the study.

The presenter reported Twin Cities Boiler removed an old burner and will return to complete installation of the new burner and associated wiring work. Flow-measurement contractors calibrated all district flow meters last week and found them in compliance; staff added a new flow meter at the Island View location that is performing correctly. The gravity belt thickener was restarted after being idle since last fall, with staff running it weekly into the fall to route sludge to storage.

On permitting, staff said the district has been operating on an expired permit (expired in February) and that the permit application was submitted previously; the file has been reassigned to a permit writer in Brainerd who will contact district staff. The presenter recalled the last permit cycle took several years and the district is awaiting further contact from the agency.

Board members asked no further follow-up action at the meeting, and staff indicated they will share updates when the agency responds.