St John board hears sanitary sewer study update as officials flag wastewater-plant capacity limits

During its July 15, 2026 meeting, the Town of St John Sanitary District board discussed capacity concerns at a wastewater plant and heard that a sanitary sewer study is in preparation to guide future decisions.

What board members said: The Chair reported that a tour of a wastewater plant attended by board members and staff was "very informative," and warned that recent storms have pushed the plant toward capacity. "There's some definitely some things that the board is gonna have to look at here in the future, as far as capacity," the Chair said, adding that "they may have to do an expansion of the plant" within a couple of years and that the forthcoming study should clarify options.

Study status and next steps: A Staff member said the proposal for the sanitary sewer study is still going through quality assurance review and that the board will receive the proposal before it is placed on an agenda. The Chair said the board should have a better handle on the issues "probably within the next 6 months." The Chair attributed aspects of the study work to Robinson and said relevant findings could affect how expansion and funding are handled for parts of St John.

Context and implications: The discussion did not include detailed cost estimates, funding sources or a specific timeline for construction. The meeting record shows staff will bring the study proposal to the board, which will inform any decisions about design, timing or budget for an expansion if the study indicates one is necessary.

Closing: No members of the public spoke during public comment. The board adjourned after completing the meeting agenda.