Sewer project tops Kalispell council agenda

The Kalispell City Council will get a progress report on the first phase of the West Side Interceptor project during a work session on Monday, Sept. 25.

The West Side Interceptor is a $14 million, multiyear sewer project that will install 7.2 miles of pipeline over time to keep up with sewer loads flowing from growing westside neighborhoods.

Public Works Director Susie Turner noted in a memorandum to the council that the workshop presentation will provide an update for Phase 1’s secured route, design, funding and tentative construction schedule.

Additionally, development proposals have initiated the need to consider pursuing the completion of the Phase 2 portions of the project in conjunction with the first phase.

City staff will review Phase 2 of the West Side Interceptor’s route, design, funding, and will discuss the potential to move forward with Phase 2 construction.

Initial construction on the pipeline is expected to begin next spring. It’s a crucial piece of the infrastructure needed to keep growth on track.

The West Side Interceptor project has been in the works for years. It began in earnest in 2009 when the city expanded its Grandview Lift Station, a major station on the north side. With that project, the city made an agreement with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality on a trigger system to move on the West Side Interceptor.

The triggers relate to pumping capacity of the Grandview station. For instance, at 80 percent pumping capacity, the city would begin designing the interceptor.

At 95 percent, construction must begin and at 100 percent, the city would have to stop issuing building permits until the new line is complete.

The council work session begins at 7 p.m. at Kalispell City Hall, 201 First Ave. E.

For more information and a full agenda, visit http://www.kalispell.com/mayor_and_city_council.

Features editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or by email at lhintze@dailyinterlake.com.