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Drummond hears $6.1 million wastewater upgrade plan; engineer warns sewer bills could rise $20–$25 per month
Summary
Triple Tree Engineering presented a plan to convert Drummond's single-cell lagoon into a three-cell lined system with UV treatment and upgrades; the $6.1M estimate relies on a mix of grants and loans and could increase residential sewer bills by roughly $20–$25 per month depending on funding outcomes.
Triple Tree Engineering presented schematic plans and funding scenarios for a major upgrade to Drummond's wastewater system at the July 16 council meeting.
Engineer Brad Koon described converting the town's existing single-cell lagoon into a three-cell lined lagoon system, installing impermeable liners in each cell, constructing berms, removing long-accumulated sludge, adding a flow meter at the lift station and plumbing for a UV treatment system. The plan also calls for an upgraded pump-basket and improved access for maintenance.
Koon estimated a project cost of approximately $6.1 million, higher than the preliminary engineer report. He outlined a grant-and-loan funding strategy that includes an expected $2 million ARPA competitive grant, $300,000 ARPA minimum-allocation funds, a $500,000 MCEP grant, a $125,000 RRGL award, $750,000 in loan forgiveness, and a likely $800,000–$900,000 RD grant; the town is also seeking a $750,000 CBDG award. Koon recommended bidding the project with the UV treatment as an alternate so grant awards could determine whether the UV portion is awarded immediately.
Under the three funding scenarios Koon presented, sewer bills could increase roughly $20–$25 per month to cover debt-service and operations, depending on final grant awards and loan terms. He said DEQ review was expected in July or August, the RD (Rural Development) funding package is expected in October, and the council could advertise for bids in November. Construction was projected to begin in 2025 with substantial completion by October 2025 and final closeout by December 2025.
Koon flagged a logistical issue: the plan initially called for 30 acres of sludge placement on the Lund property, but slope and placement constraints may rule that out; he is surveying an alternate parcel east of the lagoon and said hauling sludge across the railroad tracks is a concern. Mayor Leeper and council members emphasized the urgency of filling the council vacancy because upcoming project decisions will require a full council.
No formal vote on the project occurred July 16; council accepted the informational presentation and instructed staff and the engineering team to continue funding applications and prepare bid documents as allowed by state review and grant timelines.
