During a recent meeting of the Joint Subcommittee on Long-Range Planning, significant discussions centered around the urgent need for improvements to the town's wastewater treatment system. The current infrastructure includes a gravity collection system, a pump station, a force main, and a single-cell facultative lagoon located two miles west of town.

Over the years, the town has made strides in enhancing its collection system and pumping station to reduce infiltration. However, the lagoon, which is crucial for wastewater treatment, has faced challenges due to sludge buildup, impacting its treatment capacity. To address these issues, the proposed project includes several key improvements.

Firstly, the removal of accumulated sludge is essential to restore the lagoon's capacity. Additionally, the plan calls for the installation of three treatment cells within the existing lagoon. This upgrade from a single cell to three cells will enable better control and treatment of wastewater before discharge, aligning with the requirements set by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

Another critical aspect of the project is the installation of an impermeable liner in the lagoon. Previous leakage studies have indicated significant leakage issues, and this liner will help mitigate those problems, ensuring that only controlled discharges occur. Finally, the introduction of ultraviolet treatment will complete the wastewater treatment process prior to discharge.

The preliminary engineering report for this project was submitted in May 2022, and the Montana Legislature awarded $500,000 in MSET funding in 2023 to support these necessary improvements. This funding marks a crucial step toward enhancing the town's wastewater management and ensuring compliance with environmental standards.

As the town moves forward with these plans, the community can anticipate a more efficient and effective wastewater treatment system that addresses current deficiencies and supports future growth.