Wastewater lawsuit may get flushed

POST FALLS - The Post Falls City Council tonight will consider dismissing a lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that was filed nearly five years ago over the Spokane River cleanup plan.

Post Falls and the Hayden Area Regional Sewer Board (HARSB), which both discharge treated wastewater to the river, jointly filed suit against the EPA, claiming the federal agency had proposed a cleanup plan disproportionately harming Idaho dischargers compared to those in Washington.

John Beacham, Post Falls environmental manager, is recommending the council dismiss the suit since the discharge permits were issued last fall and the requirements now appear to be reasonable.

The suit, which requested the original cleanup plan be declared void, was maintained during the negotiation process for the new permit that became effective on Dec. 1.

"The new permit was not protested and includes a compliance schedule and other requirements which appear to be achievable," Beacham wrote in a memo to the council. "With the lawsuit having served its purpose, it is recommended for dismissal."

If the suit is dismissed, legal fees to maintain it will be ceased. The city has paid the law firm of Givens Pursely $6,958 so far this year, $30,368 in fiscal 2014 and $130,021 in fiscal 2013 for services related to the controversial cleanup process.

The regular meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 408 N. Spokane St. There are no public hearings.

In another wastewater-related matter, the council will hold a water reclamation facility plan update at 5 p.m. in the basement conference room.

A 20-year financial plan has been developed to meet stricter treatment standards imposed by the EPA. This year's priorities include developing a system that will equalize peaks and valleys of daily flow variations, a disinfection upgrade with chlorine in the event of an ultraviolet failure and an odor control biofilter.

* In other business, the council is expected to approve a $12,200 contract with Abbotswood Design Group of Hayden to design a water fountain feature and garden area as part of the expansion of Evergreen Cemetery. The city and the Schneidmiller Foundation would split the planning cost evenly.

Realtor Gary Schneidmiller said the foundation plans to cover all of the cost of the water feature, which could cost at least $50,000. He said it will be built in honor of his mother, Gladys Schneidmiller, and hopes construction will start this summer.

Schneidmiller said he envisions the feature will be built with granite and feature angels, seating and lighting.

Gladys Schneidmiller, of Post Falls, was a Post Falls School Board member for 18 years, is a life member of the Idaho Parent-Teacher Association and was a 4-H leader for 12 years. She is a member of the Royal Neighbors of America, the Idaho Community Foundation and is a founder and charter member of the Kootenai Medical Center Foundation.

She and her late husband Manny's gifts have included an ongoing scholarship fund in their name that assists Post Falls High graduates, a flag monument at Evergreen Cemetery honoring veterans, land donated to Kootenai Health and Harper's (now Kimball Office) for economic development and stained-glass windows and an organ for Community Presbyterian Church.

Schneidmiller keeps books for family businesses Schneidmiller Brothers Inc. and the Schneidmiller Land Co. and, before that, the Post Falls Highway District, a local irrigation district and the school district. All have been volunteer positions during the past 50 years.

She was recognized with the Heritage Award during a past Post Falls Chamber of Commerce annual banquet as well as during the Idaho Centennial celebration for contributions to the state.