Moyie Springs finds no negative impact to wastewater improvements

MOYIE SPRINGS — The wastewater improvement project review was released and details only positive impacts on the community.

According to the legal notice, the environmental impact follows the State Environmental Review Process, Rules for Administration of Wastewater Treatment Grants, Rules for Administration of Water Pollution Control Loans and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality for the Moyie Springs wastewater improvements.

The environmental determination shows no impact on water or the supply. Still, there will be some short-term issues: disruption of the treatment system, increased noise and dust pollution, a potential increase in stormwater runoff and disturbance to local traffic.

Long-term, the wastewater project will have significant positive impacts by increasing improved water quality and positive effects on wetlands by improving existing disposal methods.

The project details upgrades to influent screening, a screen system that filters our larger debris that can damage other water treatment equipment.

Significant changes include upgrades to the sequence batch reactor, equalization basin, chlorination and dechlorination units, and an effluent discharge line from the wastewater treatment plant to an outfall diffuser into the Kootenai River.

In 2016, the Department of Environmental Quality mandated Moyie Springs to comply with wastewater treatment standards by January 2021; a penalty was set for $1,000 a day for violation of non-compliance.

According to a grant proposal in 2019 by Moyie Springs mayor, Steve Economu, “The City is currently discharging wastewater without a discharge permit, and our facility does not meet current standards in accordance with wastewater rules.”

Not having a permit for discharge of wastewater is a violation of the Clean Water Act.

Also, there is a current negative environmental impact, according to the Economic Advisory Council. Concerns over algae blooms, reduction in oxygen, and killing off dependent aquatic species were cited in the grant proposal.

According to the Environment report, “The project will improve the environment by eliminating the health hazards to the operators, general public, wildlife and aquatic life.

Moyie Springs has slowly increased its rates to create a capital improvement fund but sought additional funding through various agencies. There is a possibility Moyie Springs will raise rates after completion of the wastewater project.