CP council will dive into wastewater issues
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, April 5th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
COLLEGE PLACE – The College Place City Council will hold a workshop today (Tuesday) at 5:30 p.m. to discuss whether to authorize $100,000 for a feasibility study to evaluate regional wastewater alternatives. The city is under a Department of Ecology mandate to conduct approximately $26 million in improvements at the wastewater treatment plant in 2023.
The city of College Place recently had a discussion with DOE, 16th District legislators, the Port of Walla Walla, and the city of Walla Walla about the validity of a regional solution. A study is needed to determine if a potential regional system incorporating both College Place and Walla Walla is more cost effective or if it would be wiser to solely upgrade College Place’s existing wastewater treatment plant. The city of Walla Walla is also expected to commit about $26 million to upgrade its treatment plant.
The feasibility study is needed so all agencies have the information needed to make an educated decision on the pathway forward. College Place staff said a decision needs to be made by November or December of this year.
Also on the agenda is a discussion on the ambulance utility rate options. The deficit to operate fire/EMS for the 2022 budget is estimated at $907,000, of which $500,000 is attributable to ambulance and EMS. An ambulance utility fee is being recommended to provide the revenue source for the $500,000. The current expense fund will continue to provide the $400,000 funding for the College Place Fire Department.
The meeting will be held virtually and can be viewed on the city’s YouTube channel or via Zoom. The meeting ID number is 884 4816 6066.
