Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Sanitary Sewer topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
City staff weigh sanitary-pond discharge vs. MPCA permit limits after heavy rains
Summary
Public-works staff told the council that the system took in an estimated 8.7 million gallons of inflow in June; one pond has room for about 6 million gallons but the city cannot discharge under its permit until Sept. 15. An MPCA enforcement officer suggested July discharge might be appropriate but staff warned early discharge could trigger additional permit requirements or fines.
Public-works staff reported heavy inflow into the sanitary-treatment ponds after an extended rainy period. The staff member said the June inflow was roughly 8.7 million gallons and that one pond currently has capacity for about 6 million gallons but cannot be discharged until the permit allows on Sept. 15 without triggering additional MPCA requirements or fines.
Staff described options: the MPCA enforcement officer indicated a July discharge could make meeting permit parameters easier, but staff said discharging early can open regulatory obligations that include additional monitoring, door-to-door notice or other requirements that could make an early discharge more burdensome. The staff member said water-quality measurements (pH and phosphorus) were currently within parameters due to the inflow and that fuller ponds could provide better treatment results for upcoming September discharge.
Council discussed outreach to residents about restricting sump-pump discharge into the sanitary system and possible notifications to owners who violate the rules. Staff said they would inspect outlets and check for plugged standpipes and prepare outreach materials. The council did not order an out-of-permit discharge at the meeting; staff said they would continue monitoring and notify the council if discharge timing or permit advice changed.
