City of Wasilla accepts EPA grant to address growing sludge wastewater

At its last council meeting, the City of Wasilla accepted a $5.6 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency for new projects that will help address its growing sludge wastewater issue.

The grant funds will improve the City's wastewater treatment plant. According to the grant paperwork, the city plans to expand a sludge digestion facility, construct a new floating suction dredge, and renovate sludge drying beds to be year-round rather than seasonal.

Sludge wastewater treatment is a pivotal process in managing the increasing volumes of wastewater generated in cities. The solid waste byproduct of wastewater treatment, known as sludge, can pose environmental and health risks if not handled properly. The sludge digestion facility, a key component of the city's wastewater treatment infrastructure, plays a crucial role in effectively treating and managing sludge.

Erich Schaal, the Public Works Director, shared during the meeting that the city is not only focusing on the main three projects but also using the grant to proactively research ways to make their sludge system more efficient and cost-effective.

Councilmember Ian Crafton said during the meeting that while he is cautious of grants, he sees the benefits of this grant and a new wastewater treatment plant for the city.

The design and construction of the projects are expected to be completed by the end of November 2025.

Sludge wastewater treatment involves removing solids and contaminants from wastewater using various physical, chemical, and biological processes. The solids are separated from the liquid, which is then treated and released back into the environment. The solids, known as sludge, are further processed for safe disposal or reuse.

The Wasilla City sewer service started in the late 1980s, with the initial money coming from a federal grant aimed at making Wasilla a test case for a small-scale treatment method for small communities.

The City submitted a Wasilla Wastewater Treatment Plant plan to the state earlier this year. According to the plan, the city will use 1.6 acres of wetlands to construct separation, diversion, and impoundment dikes and access roads to utilize the wetlands for a Waste Treatment System to dispose of municipal treated wastewater. This expansion will occur at the current treatment plant.

The wastewater system was noted as one of the city's top priority projects in the annual budget because it represents an ongoing obligation to its “current customers” and determines its “ability for continued economic development.” This is all to ensure the city can handle the ever-growing population.