INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT

Minnesota

Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Facilities

Challenge

The housing boom of 10+ years ago brought new residential growth to outstate areas of Minnesota that lacked access to ‘big pipe’ water and wastewater services. However, many developers wanted to provide city services with a neighborhood feel to their prospective homeowners. To achieve this, developers platted new residential developments with home lots that were too small for individual septic systems, and instead utilized decentralized systems for their water and wastewater needs. Decentralized systems collect wastewater from the development and bring it to a single facility that provides treatment to remove organics, solids, and nutrients. The treated water is then discharged back to the surficial aquifer for beneficial groundwater recharge.

Highlights

Numerous Operational Excellence Awards

Solution

Summary

In 2011, Natural Systems Utilities acquired ownership of eleven decentralized wastewater treatment facilities in Minnesota that together serve nearly three hundred homes, and incorporate six different wastewater pretreatment technologies. As owners of the facilities, Natural Systems Utilities provides effective operations and maintenance, capital improvement management, and correspondence with state and county regulatory agencies. Since acquisition, several of these facilities have also been recognized with Operational Excellence awards from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

These systems are not only a sustainable and environmentally friendly option, but they also provide small communities with a long-term and cost effective solution for their wastewater treatment needs.