Phosphorus clean-up mandate could merge PUD, Cashmere sewer systems

WENATCHEE A state mandate to reduce the amount of phosphorus discharged into the Wenatchee River could lead to Dryden and Peshastin joining the Cashmere sewer system.

Chelan County PUD commissioners learned Monday that uniting the three systems is one of several alternatives for solving the phosphorus problem by the mandated 2019 target.

The PUD owns the Dryden and Peshastin systems, which together have 200 customers.

Ron Slabaugh, the PUDs water and wastewater manager, says more analysis has to happen to see if the alternative is viable.

Questions remain about whether Cashmere could legally absorb sewer systems that exist outside its urban growth area.

Bob Schmidt, the citys director of operations, said he and Mayor Jeff Gomes are interested.

Its going to have to be couched in such a way so that at the very worst it would do no harm to our ratepayers, and potentially have some benefit, said Schmidt. If you have more ratepayers, typically youre a healthier utility. You have spread costs over a broader base.

Cashmere is about to launch a $20 million upgrade of its existing municipal sewage-treatment system that will leave plenty of room for growth.

If the alternative proves viable, the PUD would plan, design and install pipe that would carry Dryden and Peshastin sewage to Cashmere for treatment, Slabaugh said.

The pipeline and necessary upgrades to the treatment plant would cost more than $8.9 million. Another estimated $50,000 to $100,000 in annual PUD operations and maintenance costs would diminish over time, Slabaugh said.

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Phosphorus clean-up mandate could merge PUD, Cashmere sewer systems