Septage solution in sight, DOLA OKs grant to remove biosolids

MONTROSE — Collaboration is paying off for government officials working to secure a proper, long-term septage receiving site.

The West Montrose Sanitation District has gained approval for a $100,000 Department of Local Affairs grant that will aid in removing biosolids from its treatment facility.

The district was set up several years ago as a temporary septage receiving site; and the grant’s approval hinged on the city and county coming together to develop a long-term answer for handling septage.

The two government groups are on the way to meeting those needs — ones recognized as critical to accounting for disposed waste. They have agreed to share responsibility for a septage-receiving facility, which is being designed. Officials said the county will pay for construction of a city-managed facility on city property near the  treatment plant, south of the Montrose Animal Shelter.

As a condition of the agreement, before septage is received, the county must put in place and enforce regulations governing system cleaners (septic haulers), said Richard Thompson, the county’s environmental health specialist. He would like to put these in place by Aug. 1.

A meeting to review the regulations is expected to take place in the next several weeks, he said. “It’s been a very productive process. Folks working together is a good thing.”

The city’s role is limited at this point. It’ll become involved when designs are on the table, said city Municipal Services Director Jim Hougnon. Rates for disposal charge won’t be finalized until the other costs are set, he said.

This project is an example of why the city’s ability to regularly remove biosolids makes it a more appropriate solution for handling county septage, said District Manager Randy See. In contrast, the district’s facility stockpiles its biosolids and removes them every 15 to 20 years.

Biosolids in storage lagoons at the plant must be removed intermittently and disposed of in an approved manner. An estimated 2.5 half million gallons of biosolids will be removed at an estimated cost of $200,000 to $275,000, See said. The district anticipates removal to happen during the fall.

“This project is an important maintenance activity for our treatment system. We appreciate the support of the city of Montrose, Montrose County of our grant application,” See wrote in a statement. “A number of other groups wrote letters of support for this grant, recognizing the importance of appropriately disposing of this material.”

In a letter to the district, Gov. Bill Ritter stated, “The demands on local governments to meet community and citizen needs are more challenging today than ever before. It is gratifying to know that the state is able to assist in meeting these needs.”

The state Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance Program provides grants from state severance tax and mineral lease revenues, which are derived from oil, gas, carbon dioxide, coal and metals extracted in Colorado.

Contact Lisa Huynh via email at lisah@montrosepress.com