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Waldo utility board reports rising phosphorus, readies phosphate removal pilot and EPA notices
Summary
Operator-in-Charge Bruce Neerhof told the Waldo Water & Sewer Utility Board that phosphorus in September rose and staff added water to the head of septic tanks to mitigate the increase; the board was also briefed that the lead service line inventory was resubmitted to the EPA and that letters to affected homes are due Nov. 15.
The Waldo Water & Sewer Utility Board heard an operations update on Oct. 14 from Operator-in-Charge Bruce Neerhof showing all September effluent parameters met but noting a rise in phosphorus levels that prompted staff to add water to the head of the septic tanks to counter extremely dry weather.
Neerhof said the water tower was recalibrated and “is running better than it has,” and reported a water pipe replacement in the chlorine room that finished $4,700 under the original quote. He said staff added a new phosphate tester and that valves were exercised during routine maintenance; Legemaat Services and a staff member identified as Mike repaired a valve on Mowtown damaged during snow plowing.
Neerhof told the board the utility’s lead service line inventory has been resubmitted to the Environmental Protection Agency and reminded members that letters must be sent to homes with galvanized or unknown service-line materials by the Nov. 15 deadline. He also said he has contacted a vendor about a phosphate removal pilot and that Waldo is scheduled for that pilot next summer.
Why it matters: phosphorus management affects discharge permits and downstream water quality; identifying and notifying homes with potential lead or galvanized service lines is a regulatory requirement tied to public health and EPA rules.
Next steps: staff will proceed with the scheduled phosphate removal pilot next summer, complete required homeowner notifications before Nov. 15, and return to the board with pilot details and any contract recommendations.
Attribution: Information in this report was provided to the board by Operator-in-Charge Bruce Neerhof during the Oct. 14, 2024 meeting.
