The city of Poplar Bluff’s water treatment system could get a $13,000 upgrade following a settlement reached with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources over a missed deadline.
DNR says the city did not meet a time frame in October 2015 that was established for completion of certain improvements, but also admits that DNR itself did not sign off on the final plans until 2016.
Timeline for upgrades
The original plans were submitted for DNR approval in late 2014, as part of an application to the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, according to a proposed administrative order on consent. The DWSRF administers low interest loans for projects such as these.
The utility provided supporting loan documentation throughout 2015.
“(The) Department approved final plans and specifications on February 3, 2016,” according to the document.
The necessary work was completed in April 2017, missing the 2015 deadline.
The proposed agreement was reviewed this week by Poplar Bluff City Council and Municipal Utilities Advisory Board members. The council is expected to vote on the matter Aug. 19.
Attorneys for the utility and DNR reached this compromise, said Bill Bach, utilities director, during a Monday afternoon meeting of the advisory board.
Compromise
DNR will not issue a $10,000 fine if the city adds a variable frequency drive to a high service pump motor at the water plant. The drive will lower electric usage and improve the lifespan of the equipment, at a $13,000 cost, Bach said. The city will also deposit $500 in the Butler County School Fund.
The earlier upgrades were required because of changes in state and federal regulations regarding cryptosporidium inactivation. Cryptosporidium is a microscopic parasite that can cause gastrointestinal illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
The original upgrades were needed because Poplar Bluff takes its water from a surface source, the Black River, the administrative order states.
“The Department and Respondent desire to amicably resolve all claims that might be brought against Respondent for the violations alleged above,” the administrative order reads.
Extensions
Discussion of the original upgrades began in 2010, when the utility was notified of changes to surface water rules, DNR also reports. A target date of completion was originally set for October 2013. The utility requested and was approved twice for extensions, to the final October 2015 date.
DNR says that federal regulations require this step, Bach said, because of the two previous extensions the city received.
Bach has previously said the city spent time during the extensions to negotiate with DNR on what requirements the city would meet.