ELLIS–The city of Ellis must move its current sewer sludge containment storage site because of its proximity to Big Creek.

During a special meeting March 22, Dan Wells, Kansas Department of Health Environment District Environmental Administrator discussed KDHE requirements for site placement. Both KDHE and the Environmental Protection Agency have suggested storing the sludge at the city Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman was directed to get cost estimates.

The complete minutes of the special meeting follow.

ELLIS CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING Minutes March 22, 2016

CALL TO ORDER
Mayor David McDaniel called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present were Council members Bret Andries, Holly Aschenbrenner, Gary Luea, Jolene Niernberger, and John Walz. Also present were City Clerk Amy Burton and Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman. Council member Bob Redger was absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC PRESENT
Dan Wells
PURPOSE OF SPECIAL MEETING
Mayor David McDaniel stated the purpose of the special meeting is to discuss placement of the City’s sewer sludge containment site with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
Sewer: Special Project
At the request of Council, Dan Wells, KDHE District Environmental Administrator, discussed KDHE requirements for the placement of the City’s sewer sludge containment site. The City has had to move its storage site because of its proximity to Big Creek. Both KDHE and the Environmental Protection Agency suggest storing the sludge at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Temporary storage sites are allowed up to two years. However, the City does not have a way to haul the sludge offsite and would either need to hire a company to haul the sludge to the temporary site or purchase a truck to do so. The Council then discussed storing the sludge onsite at the Wastewater Treatment Plant and building a berm around the site to contain any runoff. Mr. Wells explained the sludge would not have to be stored on a concrete slab but the site would need to have a drain to pump the runoff back to the Wastewater Treatment Plant. If the City installs a drain and a pump, then it is considered part of the Wastewater Treatment Plant system and would not be subject to the 2-year time limit. Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman suggested pouring a 30’ x 30’ concrete pad with a drain to pipe the runoff to a manhole, and then building a dirt berm around the sludge site. Council member Gary Luea asked Mr. Scheuerman to get a cost estimate of what the work would cost to construct the containment site.
ADJOURNMENT
Council member Gary Luea moved and Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:31 p.m.