Iowa DNR taking public comment on revision of construction plan for City of New Albin’s new wastewater treatment facility

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is taking public comment on a revision being made in the construction of the new wastewater treatment plant in New Albin that first broke ground in early May 2022. The general public now has the opportunity to comment in regard to the proposed change during a 30-day period that began with the issuance by the DNR of a June 26, 2023 letter of reaffirmation of a Finding of No Significant Impact in regard to the proposed changed, as described below.

The new Algaewheel wastewater treatment system under construction for the New Albin community has been described as “a series of paddle wheels that float in large, precast concrete tanks.” The tanks are enclosed in a greenhouse which allows the sun to shine through and strike the algae that forms on each wheel, causing photosynthesis and a symbiotic chemical reaction with bacteria present in the wastewater that allows the algae to convert ammonia to nitrates that can then be safely released into the Mississippi River.

The proposed change in the project, as described in the DNR letter, involves a shortening of the outfall pipe in the vicinity of the existing polishing lagoon. The proposed revision involves shortening that outfall pipe, as determined by discharge standards and regulations, resulting in a savings in costs without any perceived impact on discharge limits.

Currently, the treated wastewater flows from the existing treatment plant east to the existing polishing lagoon and from there southeast to the Pool Slough Wildlife Management Area, a tributary to the Mississippi River. Due to changes in treatment through the new Algaewheel system, the existing polishing lagoon is no longer necessary for proper wastewater management. Also, as of 2021, the outfall pipe from the existing polishing lagoon to the Pool Slough Wildlife Management Area had significantly deteriorated.

At the time of the original Finding of No Significant Impact (FNSI) for the project in August of 2021, the City had proposed a new section of outfall pipe to go around the existing polishing lagoon and discharge to the same water body. However, upon further reflection, it was found that that addition appears to not be necessary. The currently proposed plan is to discharge from the existing, but shortened, outfall pipe at a point before the pipe would enter the existing polishing lagoon. Discharge limits would be the same in either location, but a reduction in pipe length would save funds as well as maintenance needs.

An environmental review has been performed in regard to the proposed revision of shortening of the existing wastewater outfall pipe based on the procedures for implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). That most recent environmental review has reaffirmed the project’s Finding of No Significant Impact (FNSI) issued August 16, 2021.

The letter issued by the Iowa DNR further states, “A petition had been made by Fehr Graham, the engineering firm hired by the City of New Albin as of June 28, 2022, to revise this project scope to include the above listed work as a continuation of the ongoing construction project. The scope addition had not been previously evaluated by the DNR.

“It has now been determined by the DNR, and the State Historical Preservation Office has concurred (R&C #230503521), that the additional work will result in ‘No Historic Properties Affected—No Properties.’ The USACE (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) has concurred that no permit is required for this work. Iowa DNR Floodplain has concurred that this project will not require a state or local floodplain permit. The USFWS (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) has concurred that the project will not have an effect to Federally-endangered species. The Iowa DNR Sovereign Lands has concurred that the project will not require a Sovereign Lands permit and will not affect State-listed-endangered species. Tribes were also allowed to comment on the project; no objections were received.

“Given the scope and location of the proposed additional work, no other impacts of the environmental criteria listed in 40 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) Part 6 are anticipated. This action is taken on the basis of a careful review of the engineering report, the environmental assessment and other supporting data which are on file at the Department of Natural Resources’ office in Des Moines, Iowa. These are available for public review upon request.”

The DNR will not take any administrative action on the project for at least thirty (30) calendar days from the June 26, 2023 letter issued by that department. Persons disagreeing with the above environmental decision may submit comments to the department during this period, which would involve an approximate deadline of July 26, 2023. Those wishing to comment are advised to direct their comments to Jean Mayne, Environmental Specialist for the Water Quality Bureau of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, by email at Jean.Mayne@dnr.iowa.gov or by phone at 515-491-7565.