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Council authorizes WHKS to send wastewater evaluation to MPCA; variances expected for chloride and sulfate
Summary
WHKS presented a WWTF evaluation focused on nitrogen load limits and asked council to concur and allow submission to the MPCA; council approved, and WHKS will pursue variances for chloride and sulfate and seek funding to incorporate modifications into the streets project.
Kevin Graves of engineering firm WHKS presented a Wastewater Treatment Facility evaluation that focuses on the plant’s total nitrogen loading limits and recommends plant modifications to comply. Graves told the council the city will likely need variances from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) for chloride and sulfate limits and suggested coordinating required upgrades with the planned streets project while pursuing USDA and state funding sources.
Councilmember Kristy Ziegler moved to concur with the WWTF evaluation and authorize WHKS to forward the report to the MPCA; Councilmember Jen Dowling seconded the motion, which the council carried. The minutes record authorization but do not list a roll‑call vote tally.
Clerk Anne Koliha told the council the city will seek funding to cover replacement or upgrade costs and that the WWTF changes are expected to be coordinated with other capital work. The presentation and authorization do not commit the city to a specific funding package or construction schedule; those details were not specified in the minutes.
Next steps noted in the meeting record include WHKS submitting the evaluation to the MPCA and preparing for variance requests on chloride and sulfate. Council and staff discussed seeking USDA and state funds to help cover required upgrades, and the city will consider timing the work with the streets project.
