Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Utility Operations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Wausau utility reports on DNR monitoring requests, UCMR and project updates
Summary
Staff updated the commission on a DNR request to sample raw‑water ammonia (nitrification concerns), summarized the EPA's UCMR as a multi‑year planning tool, and reported that head work screening and the Cherry Street Lift Station projects are near completion.
During the July 14 meeting the Wausau Water Works Commission heard several operational updates from utility staff.
Staff reported that the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has asked municipalities to monitor raw‑water ammonia as part of follow‑up work tied to nitrification concerns observed elsewhere; the DNR had not provided a final testing protocol at the time of the meeting. Staff said the likely approach is to sample all six wells for ammonia and to monitor against a 0.2 mg/L trigger that would prompt follow‑up actions.
The commission also received an overview of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR). Staff described the UCMR as a forward‑looking list of contaminants (for example, PFAS, microplastics and some pharmaceuticals) that helps utilities plan treatment upgrades; staff said such monitoring and any resulting regulation are likely several years away and are used to inform long‑term facility design.
On capital projects, staff said the head work screening upgrade is ahead of schedule with an anticipated completion on Nov. 15, and that the Cherry Street Lift Station is operational pending final electrical and SCADA punchlist items; final payment and warranty activation will follow once the remaining items are closed.
The updates were presented for information; no formal action was taken on the monitoring or UCMR items other than that staff will incorporate implications of the UCMR and DNR monitoring requests into planning and outreach.
