The Fountain City Council has been plagued with lingering issues at the Wastewater Treatment Plant for several years. The plant is not in compliance and according to WSB & Associates Project Manager Richard Parr, “The clock is ticking.”
At the Thursday, November 3 council meeting, Parr outlined the timeline for figuring out a solution. The plant has been out of Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) compliance since October 24 and a penalty fee will be due in 30 days from that date. Parr also noted engineering has 60 days to do written corrective action. That is due by December 23.
A pilot study was conducted earlier this with the hopes of gleaning some information. Compiled data was helpful, but the problems were not able to be fully remedied. Pumps are functioning correctly; however the plant is not running correctly due to high ammonia and nitrogen levels. In October, the council approved the purchase of a timing device in attempts to get the plant running correctly. The council also moved to purchase a meter for testing ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites. It was noted that daily results would aid the city in getting a more rapid response to issues.
Now, Parr hopes to utilize a simulator program, BioWin, to predict how the plant will behave. He asserted that the plant was designed for a capacity much larger than is being utilized, but that using the program and starting from scratch; they hope to determine the problem.
Parr also plans on sitting down with Valley Design, a metal finishing facility, which according to a May study on the plant, accounts for about 40-60% of the incoming flow to the wastewater treatment plant, due largely from effluent from finishing processes. Engineers have previously had discussion with the MPCA regarding the company’s significant user permit. The company will compile reports quarterly. Parr indicated he would be conducting a site visit at Valley Design. “It’s a chance for us to get a better idea and and overall look. It could get the dialogue going,” said Parr.
The city will also need to continue to investigate sources of funds for planned improvements at the treatment plant. A Point Source Implementation Grant Program may be one option. In all, Parr indicated a total of $556,121 to cover all four improvement projects. The city is currently on the fundable list for the grant, which would cover 50% of the cost. Additionally, Parr believes there may be a change on the horizon, as part of the Governor’s agenda. If approved, the change could bump grant funding coverage to 80%. “We won’t know until January, but it’s really good news,” said Parr.
Also mentioned was the option of utilizing a low interest revolving loan from the Public Facilities Authority (PFA). However, Parr indicated while it could change, there is currently no new funding there. As part of the corrective action plan, it’s possible USDA Rural Development funding could piggyback off new PFA funding.
Rick Whitney, of PeopleService, has also been working to help in finding a solution to the issues and to assist the city in regaining compliance. Whitney indicated some minor issues in getting the flow software to download off the reader, due to the computer software and a poor internet connection at the plant. He indicated he’d been using his cell phone Wi-Fi hotspot for connection, but that using the Flowlink software isn’t efficient on the computer. Whitney indicated he’d be willing to use a personal laptop for the download and that he’d leave the laptop when his work was completed, but the council opted to discuss the option of purchasing a basic model laptop for the plant. Additionally, Councilor Jim Schott suggested the city contact Frontier about putting a solid internet connection at the site. “We have to have equipment that works. We have to keep it updated,” said Schott. The council approved seeking laptop quotes and installing the connection.
The subject of Fountain Trail Days celebrations was also discussed in length at the meeting. Earlier this year, the city opted to amend the annual Trail Days celebration to just one day. Again, the council is discussing holding off on the celebration for the next two years. This time, however, the reason is to prepare for the city’s 150 year founding anniversary. “We really need the community as a whole to work on this,” stated City Clerk Rhonda Flattum.
It was indicated that organizers are starting now in the planning phase in effort to drum up enthusiasm and both volunteers and funding for the celebration. “We really need to promote this,” added Flattum. “It takes a community to make this successful and we need a lot of volunteers.” She acknowledged that spare time is hard to come by for many people, but that organizing must be flexible and that they need to determine where people can help. “We need everyone’s involvement in one way or another.”
The fundraising committee is a top priority. “We have to hold a good celebration and have to be positive,” said Flattum. The city is considering holding a potluck event to bring people and their ideas for the celebration together. “We really need to start planning now if we’re going to have it work.”
Mayor Richard Kujath brought up the idea of hosting a National Night Out gathering, as many other cities have done. “It brings people together.”
Organizers hope to have a date for the celebration selected soon and basic ideas in place by December 1. Persons interested in helping with planning or fundraising should contact city hall at (507) 268-4923 or at cityoffountain@frontier.net.
The next regularly scheduled council meeting is Thursday, December 1, at 7:30 p.m., at city hall. The public is encouraged to attend.
Leave a Reply