Board approves special exception for new Helmsburg wastewater treatment plant

The Brown County Board of Zoning Appeals on March 25 approved Docket 26-SED-03, granting a special exception that allows the Helmsburg Regional Sewer District to construct a replacement wastewater treatment plant at 4862 Helmsburg Road.

Staff told the board the existing plant — permitted in 1995 — is in danger of imminent failure and the replacement plan includes a lift station, sludge-handling and electrical building, UV channel and aeration structures. Staff noted the proposed facility cannot meet the ordinance’s 300-foot setback on all sides because of a limited buildable area, but cited mitigating circumstances: the site is surrounded by large privately owned parcels and floodway property to the south. Brown County Water Utility confirmed service and Jackson Township Fire Department found the driveway acceptable.

Kyle Myers, vice president and treasurer of the Helmsburg Regional Sewer District, said the plant is more than 30 years old, ‘‘we're trying to band aid and fix and patch, to keep basically raw sewage from spilling out on the ground,’’ and that the district has bid-ready plans, IDEM and Army Corps permits, and potential state funding to proceed. Resident Erica Bryanton urged approval, saying, "We cannot have a failing sewer plant." Board members concluded denying the request would undermine county health and welfare goals and voted to approve the special exception by roll call. The district will proceed with funding and construction permitting steps.