Last Friday, City Councilors and media were invited to tour the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Utilities Manager Justin Wagner and Public Works Director Dave Bennett took us on an hour-long tour showing where the 3 major events have happened since January, including the latest wherein 1 million gallons of sewage had to be discharged into the Cannon River due to a pipe break and the
failure of 3 submersible pumps. Wagner explained the process. Wastewater comes into the plant underground to a lift station, which brings it up to the clarification building. At that point, solids are separated from the liquid. The solids go to the biosolid building, are treated with lime, and transformed into product that can be used as fertilizer on fields. The liquids continue to the aerated filtration building. The main process for treating the wastewater. Bacteria that live on thousands of small beads added to the process, eat the waste. Once treated, the liquid goes to a disinfection building where it’s treated with UV rays. Sampling takes place there to ensure pollution control standards before heading to the Cannon River. The most costly, in terms of price tag, is the fire in the biosolids building at $5 million for equipment and another million to truck sewage out until repairs are made, which could be early 2019. While the City says insurance will pay for much of the costs, 3 failures in 6 months leads city leaders to look into the entire plant operations. Whitemore Fire Consultants did an investigation into the fire. We’ll have more on that as City Council reviews it tomorrow night. I have pictures of the plant just click on the link.
Sen. Smith introduces teacher shortage bill
Senator Tina Smith has introduced a bill on Monday regarding the teacher shortages especially in math, science and special education and particularly in rural areas. Her bill would provide help to local districts who have great ideas on recruiting and retaining teachers but need a little help. This is a grant program through the Federal government. Districts would bring them their proven idea and they’ll help make it happen. She said it might be helping paraprofessionals become professionals or creating better professional development for their teachers. Smith is especially focused on rural areas and math and science studies. She added that 48 states are reporting teacher shortages and she believes her bill can get bipartisan support.
Nfld intros mobile app
The City of Northfield announced the release of a new mobile app. This new digital tool will provide you with a better connection to the local resources, news, and information you want and need when on-the-go and out in our community. Use the City of Northfield mobile app to enjoy convenient access to official City news, meetings, agendas, notifications, job opportunities and more! Click for instructions on downloading. Press Release – App launch (1)
