Sewer lines for south Butte topic of hearing

By Justin Post - 12/02/2008

Butte-Silver Bow is evaluating its wastewater treatment options for south Butte and residents are being asked to voice their opinions and ideas.

Surveys have been sent to residents on the city's southeast side and a Thursday public meeting will address a recent engineering report.

It's expected to cost roughly $4.5 million to build sanitary sewer lines to south Butte and officials have organized Thursday's meeting to discuss the improvements and costs, said interim public works director Dan Dennehy.

The geology of the area and high nitrate levels have hindered development in recent years, he said.

Extending sanitary sewers would resolve those issues, but officials haven't determined how to pay for those capital improvements.

Various options are being considered, such as increasing rates for users, requiring developers to buy into the system and asking existing homeowners to pay to connect with a new line.

"Those are all issues that have to be discussed and talked about before public policy is made," Dennehy said.

Paul Riley, health department sanitarian, said approximately 500 homes in south Butte have septic systems and wells.

Water quality regulations have made it difficult for people to build new homes in south Butte, even with an acre or more of land, he said.

"There is a potential for nitrates to get into the underground water," Riley said.

The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Butte Saddle Club, 6354 Albany Ave.

Reporter Justin Post may be reached via e-mail at justin.post@lee.net.