Group explores regionalization of sewer system

SANDPOINT - A group of area officials toured three Bonner County wastewater treatment plants Tuesday to see firsthand the different technological aspects of each.

The sewer tour, as it was called, was meant to familiarize local leaders with the different treatment techniques used at each facility while discussing the idea of creating a regional sewer system that would incorporate the Sandpoint, Kootenai-Ponderay, Schweitzer, Dover and Southside plants.

The regionalization plan will be spearheaded by a soon-to-be formed non-profit organization called the Pend Oreille Clean Water Association, which will likely be made up of representatives from the five sewer districts and various local leaders.

Karl Dye, executive director of the Bonner County Economic Corporation, is seeking funds for a feasibility study for the regionalization plan while solidifying the association's non-profit status. Dye said there are numerous economic and environmental benefits to regionalization, including standardizing discharge levels, cost efficiency for sewer customers and aiding long-range growth.

"I think in general, regionalization is a way that we could minimize the places where effluent might be discharged into bodies of water and make sure we're going for the higher standard so we maintain clean water in the future," Dye said.

The tour, which visited the Kootenai-Ponderay plant, along with the Sandpoint and Dover facilities, was attended by representatives from all five groups.

"Talking to everyone on the tour, I think people are very interested in it. I think everybody sees the value of continuing this regionalization discussion. On behalf of EDC, we were just happy to facilitate the tour and get the support of all five entities," Dye said.