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Rangely manager warns of low water levels and potential $12 million wastewater repairs
Summary
Town Manager Jonah told the council that rainfall has stabilized low water levels for now but that a torn sewage pond liner could force replacement of all four liners at an estimated cost of about $12,000,000; he also warned the state is considering phasing out lagoon wastewater systems without guaranteed funding.
Town Manager Jonah told the Rangely Town Council that water levels dipped into the 'sixties' before recent rain improved conditions, and the town remains at Stage 1 of its water plan. "For the first time this year, we surpassed last year's water levels," Jonah said, adding that the town is "still gonna maintain stage 1" because overall levels remain low.
Jonah raised a more persistent concern about wastewater infrastructure: an inspection found one pond liner with "tears" and staff are evaluating whether all four liners will need replacement. He said replacing all four liners could be "somewhere in the range of $12,000,000," and the town is seeking additional quotes and technical analysis. Jonah also said a structural engineer's earlier report was "subpar" and staff have pushed the firm for a more substantive assessment.
Council members asked how staff determined which liner was leaking and whether a phased approach could be used. Jonah said isolating Pond C and operating the others temporarily might be a viable short-term option "for a year or two," but he cautioned that state-level discussions about eliminating lagoon systems could force more comprehensive upgrades. When asked whether the state would provide funding for such replacements, Jonah said he did not expect full state funding and described the possibility as an "unfunded mandate."
The council requested follow-up: Jonah agreed to bring the town's wastewater engineer (Emily) to a future meeting to provide more detail and to supply additional cost estimates and timelines. The council did not take formal action on repairs at this meeting.
