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Mosier hears wastewater plant update; operator flags federal grant opportunities
Summary
A Treatment Equipment Co. representative briefed the Mosier City Council on illicit dumping, replacement of UV systems, and operational changes that boosted biosolids concentration to reduce hauling costs. He also noted grant programs and an April 24 bid opening for the plant upgrade.
Chris McCalib of Treatment Equipment Co. told the Mosier City Council on April 16 that the city—s wastewater treatment plant faces illicit dumping and needs public outreach to curb illegal discharges. He described planned equipment work, including replacement of ultraviolet disinfection systems and steps to optimize biosolids handling.
McCalib said the plant—s operations team increased solids concentration in biosolids from about 0.5% to roughly 3.5%, a change intended to reduce hauling frequency and associated costs. He also reported that the Oregon Health Authority conducted a water survey inspection and praised local staff for maintaining the system under constrained resources. McCalib noted the Oregon Department of Ecology recently experienced a cyber-attack but that required state reports had still been submitted on time.
Answering council questions, McCalib said tracing the source of illegal dumping is possible but can be a lengthy process and that laboratory identification of unknown substances requires specialized testing. Councilor Lydia Koerner and Councilor Ron Wright asked about tampering detection and tracing; McCalib recommended community vigilance while more formal tracing proceeds.
McCalib also said certified operator Levi Tickner had identified approximately $293 million in grant funding opportunities aimed at small community utilities. He told the council the project—s bid opening is scheduled for April 24 and that he had contacted several contractors to encourage competitive bids. When Councilor Noah Estes raised concerns that the project appeared over budget, McCalib said a $2.5 million grant had not been shown in the presentation and that, after clarification with City Manager Andrea Rogers, the project is not over budget; he said he will coordinate with Rogers to correct budget figures in future reports.
The council recorded several follow-up requests: staff will verify completion and distribution of the 2023 water quality report, McCalib will provide details on the $293 million grant opportunities, and future department reports will align budget numbers with approved grant awards. No formal council action on the treatment plant occurred at the meeting.
The city listed the solicitation bid opening date and will return to the council for contract award or further budget adjustments as needed.
