Craig wastewater project moving ahead

The town of Craig is moving ahead with its plans to install a much needed community wastewater system.

Bids will be sought this summer, perhaps late June or in July, said Brad Koenig, the wastewater division manager with Robert Peccia & Associates, which is handling the projects design.

Construction on the system, currently estimated to cost $3,322,754, would begin soon after a contractor is selected and could be completed by the end of the year.

Some of the inside work may linger into early 2015, Koenig said.

The community is characterized by relatively small lots and homes and businesses that rely on septic systems for wastewater disposal and wells for drinking water.

We dont want the wastewater polluting the wells, said Anna Miller, a finance adviser with the Conservation and Resources Development Division at the state Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.

When septic system drainfields fail, there is not always enough room to construct replacement drainfields and still maintain an adequate distance from wells.

According to project documents provided by Miller, The community has a documented record of wells testing high for nitrates due to the sewer drainfield discharges into the shallow aquifer, which indicates well contamination from drainfield discharges.

This system should help that, Miller said.

The community started working with Peccia & Associates in May 2012 to plan for a wastewater system. Construction will be funded by both grants and a loan.

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Craig wastewater project moving ahead