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Melbourne pursues $1 million EPA grant to test lagoon wastewater technology
Summary
Council voted to pursue a $1 million EPA grant to pilot modular treatment technology from EcoFixe to reduce ammonia in lagoon discharges; the company offered the required 53% match and staff will seek an approval letter before the March 7 deadline.
Forrest Aldrich of Veenstra & Kimm presented a short-deadline opportunity for Melbourne to apply for a $1 million EPA grant to pilot an innovative, modular wastewater treatment system for lagoon discharges. Aldrich said the system targets high ammonia levels in colder months and that EcoFixe, a Canadian company, agreed to provide the grantmatch of 53%.
At the councilmeeting, Councilmember Gary Fricke moved to pursue the grant application; Gaege Bracy seconded the motion and the council voted all ayes. Mayor Cynthia Mansager thanked Aldrich for bringing the opportunity to the city and Aldrich said he would contact EcoFixe Wednesday morning about the letter of approval the application will require and would coordinate with Clerk Mary Pothast.
Why it matters: the grant would fund technology aimed at addressing the cityammonia spikes in cold weather, which the city identified as a key challenge to complying with its NPDES wastewater permit. The application deadline is March 7; Aldrich and city staff will handle next steps.
The council did not vote on any contract with EcoFixe at the meeting; the action was limited to authorizing pursuit of the grant application.
