Contract operators present assessment, propose phased takeover and staff training for wastewater plant

Contract operators Justin Lenhart and Rick Goodney presented an on‑site assessment of Oronoco's wastewater treatment plant and outlined a phased plan to get the facility into compliance and train city staff.

"I operate Leonard Environmental Services... I've been in the field for approximately 17 years," Justin said, introducing his firm. Rick Goodney, who said he has "30 years in the wastewater industry," described maintenance and housekeeping issues he found during a recent visit: diffuser heads and probes left exposed to UV, unused tanks full of algae or dried sludge, an exhaust fan requiring immediate attention, and scattered spare parts and wiring that create safety hazards. "You guys have a $25,000,000 plan," Rick told the council, urging professional, certified operators and a consistent maintenance program.

The presenters proposed a phased approach: an initial takeover date of Dec. 1 if the council wishes to proceed, an intense first‑six‑month period of hands‑on operator presence (one presenter said he would be on site a minimum of six hours per day, five days a week at the outset), and a three‑year horizon to train and certify in‑house staff to a Class C operator level. They emphasized housekeeping, routine cleaning of tanks and probes, and replacing high‑cost probe heads as immediate priorities. Justin said past experience bringing other plants into compliance gives confidence the plant could be returned to permit limits with dedicated operator time.

Council response and next steps: Council members and staff discussed contract language, staffing implications, and budget timing. Staff (speaker 11) recommended direction to continue negotiations, seek legal review, and, if appropriate, terminate the current contract with Peoples Services with written notice by Aug. 31 to meet the timeline. Council directed staff to continue contract talks, consider a special council meeting (possible July 30 workshop or other special meeting) to review a final contract, and prepare budget implications for the August meeting. No final contract vote occurred at the July 21 meeting.

Why it matters: The city faces potential noncompliance and deferred maintenance at a treatment plant that the presenters called expensive and technically demanding; the proposed contract would change how operations are staffed and paid and involve startup and training costs, with long‑term implications for operations and budget planning.