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DEQ TMDL deadline puts wastewater operations and staffing under council scrutiny
Summary
The state DEQ notified Westfir it must meet a temperature‑reduction (TMDL) requirement by November 9, 2026; council members said the town's aging treatment system and limited certified staff make compliance and reporting a near‑term challenge.
Rick told the council that the state DEQ had notified the city it must meet a TMDL (total maximum daily load) temperature‑reduction requirement by 2026‑11‑09, and said the city's wastewater system is dated and staff resources are stretched. He noted that certified operators require significant on‑the‑job hours before testing and that their wages and staffing levels lag industry norms.
Council members discussed training and certification barriers, including a frequently cited requirement of roughly 2,000 on‑the‑job hours before an operator may take certification exams. Rick and Nicole said the city has a full‑time operator and a part‑time trainee but that scheduling and coverage make it difficult to free staff for training. The council signaled it will explore options to secure training and to work with regional agencies on compliance pathways.
Why it matters: DEQ compliance deadlines carry reporting and technical requirements; insufficient certified staff or delayed upgrades could create regulatory and environmental risks. The council asked staff to prioritize a plan for certifications, monitoring and possible funding options.
