City of Kalamazoo - October 30, 2024 Waste Water Stakeholder Presentation

Updated about 11 hours ago

The City of Kalamazoo Waste Water Management Stakeholder presentation on October 30, 2024, covered a comprehensive agenda including a system overview and updates on new EPA and EGLE regulations implementation. Superintendent Susie Drust provided insights into plant performance and operational updates. Proposed rate changes for January are discussed, along with the introduction of IPP awards for exemplary industries. The meeting also highlighted unique treatment capabilities of the Michigan plant, ongoing capacity changes, and regulatory compliance challenges. Discussions include regional cooperation and rate equalization efforts to enhance service equity and economic stability.

Chapters

Welcome and Introduction (00:00:31)
The meeting started with a welcome from James Baker, setting the stage for the stakeholder presentation.

James Baker welcomed everyone attending the meeting and introduced himself, setting the stage for the upcoming stakeholder presentation.
Stakeholder Presentation Overview (00:00:40)
The presentation addressed wholesale municipalities, retail service providers, and large industrial users of the system.

The presentation is designed to address wholesale municipalities, retail service providers, and industrial users, focusing on a brief system overview, new EPA and eagle regulations, and updates from the superintendent.
System Overview and Regulations (00:01:02)
Overview of the system and new EPA and eagle regulations implementation, crucial for compliance and operations.

A brief overview of the system was provided, along with the implementation of new EPA and eagle regulations that have been worked on for years and are now in effect.
Superintendent Updates on Plant Performance (00:01:21)
Susie Russ provided updates on plant performance, operations, and the plan for proposed rate changes.

Susie Russ, the superintendent, stepped in to provide updates on plant performance and operations, including discussions about proposed rate changes to be presented to the city commission.
Utility Overview (00:02:01)
Discussion on the areas served by the utility and the unique features of the plant, including carbon treatment.

The utility overview included a discussion of the areas served, which are represented by green polygons on the map, and the unique features of the plant, such as its powdered activated carbon treatment and EPA exemption for pharmaceutical waste.
Capacity and Permits (00:03:31)
Discussion on system capacity changes, permit requirements, and the implications on operations.

The discussion focused on the changes in system capacity, moving from hydraulic nameplate capacity to individual pollutant parameters, and the requirements of new permits, including conducting studies and incorporating new limits.
Wholesale and Industrial User Agreements (00:04:21)
Updates on inter-jurisdictional agreements and their impact on flow and loading capacity.

The presentation covered updates on inter-jurisdictional agreements being rewritten as required by the EPA, and how these agreements will affect flow and loading capacities for wholesale and industrial users.
Interceptor Network and Smart Sewer System (00:09:00)
Details on the interceptor network's capacity and the implementation of a smart sewer system for monitoring.

The interceptor network's capacity remains strong, and the smart sewer system is being implemented to monitor flows in real-time, helping to prevent blockages and overflows.
Regulatory Enforcement and Compliance (00:14:15)
Overview of new regulatory enforcement actions and compliance requirements for industries.

New regulatory enforcement actions have been outlined in cooperation with EPA and Eagle, including new sampling requirements and limits for pollutants like PFOS, with fines and notices for non-compliance.
Rate Negotiations and Budgeting (00:19:54)
Discussion on rate negotiations, budgeting, and the equalized rate concept for regional cooperation.

The discussion focused on rate negotiations with the regional commission, the concept of equalized rates for regional cooperation, and a simplified process for providing services.
Capital Improvement Plans (00:26:12)
Focus on capital improvements such as lift station updates and sludge management strategies.

Capital improvement plans include updating lift stations with new panels and generators, as well as transitioning from handling wet sludge to dry sludge to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness.