Sewer project starts

HAYDEN - The Hayden Area Regional Sewer Board will hold a ground-breaking ceremony at noon today on a $14.3 million improvement project to meet new water quality standards.

The public is invited to the ceremony at the wastewater facility at 10789 N. Atlas Road.

HARSB is among the local agencies that discharge treated wastewater to the Spokane River and are required to comply with standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The 18-month project will relocate and improve preliminary treatment, equalize flow for efficiency, add biological nutrient reduction, improve biosolids processing and replace the administration building.

HARSB also applies some treated wastewater on land during the growing season.

The primary funding agency for the improvement project is the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality through the low-interest State Revolving Loan Fund to the City of Hayden and the Hayden Lake Recreational Water and Sewer District.

This funding approach is anticipated to save HARSB patrons $5.5 million compared to conventional financing.