Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about the Wastewater Treatment Plant Project:
Project & Construction
Q: What happens to wastewater treatment during construction?
A: The wastewater treatment plant will continue to operate throughout construction. Work will be phased carefully so that new facilities are brought online before old ones are taken out of service. This approach ensures that homes and businesses will not experience service disruptions as a result of construction. Residents should not notice any change in how wastewater is treated while construction is underway.
Q: Will residents or businesses experience service disruptions?
A: No. The project is designed so wastewater treatment continues without interruption. Construction activities will happen on-site and will not affect the collection system or customers’ ability to flush, drain, or use water in normal ways.
Q: How long will construction take?
A: Construction is expected to begin in 2026 and will last about five years. The timeline depends on funding as the City seeks grant opportunities and project phasing, but the plant will remain in service the entire time. Breaking the project into phases also allows the City to manage costs more responsibly.
Q: Could we just repair the old plant instead of rebuilding it?
A: Many parts of the plant are well beyond their useful life and no longer meet current design standards. For example, the clarifiers and aeration basins are undersized for today’s needs and cannot be patched to meet future permit limits. Repeated emergency repairs would be more costly without solving the underlying problems. Rebuilding the plant ensures Sandpoint can meet state and federal requirements, protect the river, and provide reliable service for decades to come.
Funding and Bond
Q: Why can’t the City get grants before going out for a bond?
A: Most state and federal programs require the City to have voter approval for bond authority before awarding loans or grants. This authority is essentially permission to borrow money, which is a condition for accessing most outside funds. Approving the bond does not mean the City will automatically borrow the full amount. It sets a ceiling so Sandpoint can apply for grants and loans, then issue only the amount actually needed.
Q: What funding sources are being pursued?
A: The City is applying to the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) State Revolving Fund, the USDA Rural Development program, and the federal Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA). Each program offers low-interest loans or partial grant support. Bond authority makes Sandpoint eligible to access these outside resources and reduce costs for ratepayers.
Q: Why does the City need a bond when sewer rates already increased?
A: Sewer rates alone cannot cover the cost of the project. Without bonding, the entire amount would have to be paid directly through rates in a very short period of time. A bond allows the City to get funds up front and spread costs over many years, access outside funding, and keep future rate increases more gradual and manageable for residents.
Q: What happens if the bond fails?
A: Even if the bond does not pass, the City is still responsible for maintaining and operating the wastewater treatment plant to ensure all permitting requirements are met. Without bond authority, the City would have to pay for the project entirely through rate increases, without the benefit of loans or grants. This would put the full cost on ratepayers quickly, leading to estimated increases of about 600% within five years — a much steeper burden than with bond financing. This will result in additional project phasing due to limited annual funds and increased chances for permit violations and fines. Additional phasing will increase the project duration by years and could add millions of dollars to the project costs.
Technical and Environmental
Q: Why does the plant need to be replaced now?
A: The current plant was originally built in the 1950s, with some upgrades in the 1970s and 1980s. Many systems are worn out or no longer meet modern design standards. At the same time, state and federal permits require stricter limits on nutrients and bacteria than the existing facility can reliably achieve. Replacing the plant now prevents pollution in the Pend Oreille River, avoids costly fines, and ensures Sandpoint can continue to meet permit requirements.
Q: How does wastewater treatment protect the river?
A: Treatment removes solids, nutrients, and harmful bacteria before water is released back into the Pend Oreille River. Without proper treatment, pollutants like phosphorus can fuel algae blooms, ammonia can harm fish, and bacteria can pose health risks. Modern treatment technology ensures that water returned to the river is clean and safe for people and the environment.
Q: What are the risks if upgrades are delayed?
A: Delaying the project increases the chance of equipment failures and emergency repairs. It also raises the risk of permit violations, which could result in fines of up to thousands of dollars per day. In addition, construction costs rise over time due to inflation, meaning the project will only become more expensive the longer it is postponed.
Q: Is the project only needed because of growth?
A: Growth is part of the picture, but it is not the main driver. On a typical day, the plant treats 1–2 million gallons of wastewater. During wet weather, old pipes allow rain and groundwater into the sewer system, causing flows to spike as high as 12–13 million gallons a day, even without population growth. Modeling shows those peaks could reach 14–15 million gallons during major storms. The new plant must be able to handle those surges to stay in compliance. Population growth is steady, but the real issues are aging infrastructure, stricter permit limits, and the need to manage wet-weather flows.
Community Impact
Q: How will this project benefit residents?
A: A new plant means reliable wastewater treatment for homes and businesses, fewer emergency breakdowns, and cleaner water for Lake Pend Oreille and the Pend Oreille River. It also replaces chlorine disinfection with safer ultraviolet light, minimizing the risks of storing hazardous chemicals. The project creates local construction jobs, prevents spills and algae blooms that often impact property values, and ensures Sandpoint remains a healthy place to live, work, and visit.
Q: Will the project create local jobs?
A: Yes. Construction will span several years and provide opportunities for contractors, trades, and suppliers in the region. Beyond jobs, the investment supports the local economy by safeguarding water quality, which is central to tourism, recreation, and property values.
Q: Will the new plant cause odor or noise issues?
A: No. Modern treatment plants are designed with odor control and noise-reduction systems. The new facility will include updated covers, air handling, and design measures to ensure odors and noise are minimized for both workers and neighbors.
Transparency & Oversight
Q: How will the City ensure funds are spent responsibly?
A: By law, the City could only use the bond proceeds for wastewater improvements. Every expenditure must be approved by the Sandpoint City Council and is subject to independent audits. In addition, the City will provide public updates and reporting so residents can see how funds are being used.
Q: How can we be sure costs won’t spiral out of control?
A: Large infrastructure projects always involve uncertainty, but several safeguards are in place. The project will be built in phases, which lets the City adjust if market prices change. Competitive bidding will be used to keep construction costs fair. The bond proceeds could only be used for wastewater improvements and are subject to City Council approval and independent audits. The City will also provide regular public updates so residents can track scope, budget, and schedule. The $130 million is a cap and more debt cannot be issued without an additional vote.
Q: What happens if costs come in lower than expected?
A: The bond measure authorizes a maximum amount, not a target. If actual costs are lower, the City will issue less debt and only borrow what is verified as needed. Any bond authority remaining after completion of the entirety of the project would not be able to be used for another purpose without another vote. In addition, outside funding programs (like DEQ or USDA loans and grants) adjust their awards based on the actual project need, so costs are managed responsibly. Bottom line: we don’t borrow what we don’t need and if costs drop, ratepayers benefit.
Q: How can residents stay informed?
A: The City will maintain a dedicated project webpage with updates on budget, scope, and schedule. Regular open houses and City Council meetings will provide opportunities for residents to ask questions. An email list and hotline will also be available for updates once construction begins.