Lakeside is seeking approval for upgrades to its wastewater treatment plant as it approaches capacity, with public comments open until February 10.
The upgrades are crucial because the current system just can’t handle the growing number of homes in the area. The proposed changes will help meet the increasing demand for wastewater treatment. The first phase of the project includes building a facility to treat waste from septic systems in the Flathead Valley.
Overall, the project is expected to cost between $26 and $30 million, with the first phase funded by about $13.4 million in federal and state grants and loans. The new system will allow treated wastewater to be discharged into the ground, which is a big step forward.
Construction for the first phase is set to kick off in 2025. The state has given the green light, saying the project won’t have any major negative impacts on the environment. The current treatment plant, built in 1988 and updated in 1994, has been struggling to keep up with the increased wastewater flow from Lakeside and Somers.
Right now, the facility doesn’t discharge into state waters and relies on storing treated wastewater during winter and using it for land application in the summer. But with more homes being built, they need to expand. The new facility will also include a site for unloading waste from septic tanks.
Flathead County is stepping in to help with funding, contributing about $21.76 million, which includes money from the American Rescue Plan Act. With over 24,000 septic systems in the county, there’s a real need for better waste management solutions.
The Department of Environmental Quality believes that even though the new facility will add some nitrogen to the area, it will ultimately reduce the total nitrogen being discharged into Flathead Lake. If you want to check out more details or leave a comment, you can visit their website.
