Neighbors question sewer district expansion

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SANDPOINT – A proposed expansion for Kootenai-Ponderay Sewer District plant caused neighbors to raise a stink at the June 3 Planning and Zoning commission meeting.

Commissioner Don Davis moved to approve the expansions if they meet the following conditions.

First, that the expansion follows the past approved conditional use permit.

Second, that another public hearing take place regarding the specifics regarding the expansions – like what they would be used for, and how they would be implemented.

The two projects proposed by the Kootenai-Ponderay Sewer District Plant, 511 Whisky Jack Road are a mid-size storage shop for equipment currently being stored outside; and another for a 200-foot x 400-foot expansion to the water treatment facilities at the plant.

At the hearing neighbors indicated they believe the expansion will turn out to be an additional water treatment lagoon — adding a fourth to the three existing lagoons.

Planning commissioner Don Davis examined the proposal for the expansion, and questioned the lagoons effectiveness, considering they would not be effective in the winter months while they are frozen. He questioned whether this expansion proposal would help “maintain current capacity” as mentioned in the plant’s narrative statement.

In written testimony, Kootenai-Ponderay Sewer District officials said the exact details surrounding the expansion are still being worked out.

“The exact technologies to be used for this area are not yet known,” officials said in the statement, “but are expected to be small in size and enclosed.”

The purpose of these changes, according to the statement, would be reducing odor, noise, and vibration, they added.

However, not all neighbors bordering the plant were convinced by the assurances.

“They haven’t been good faith neighbors,” said Will Beesley, “I think it’s premature to talk about zoning changes.” Beesley claimed plant officials have not maintained the trees and shrubs intended to be a barrier against the plant’s business activity.

“If I can’t enjoy my property, you took it,” said Murry Butler during the public comment portion of the hearing.

Butler is the closest neighbor of the proposed expansion, located on the northwest portion of the plant.

Butler shared printed photos, taken from the edge of her property, of the plant’s vegetation barrier. The photos illustrate the poor condition of the barrier, Butler said.

Much of the dispute centers around whether or not KPSD officials will follow through with their new project claims. Neighbors testified they believe the proposed plans are too vague to allow for adequate public review.

In addition to Butler and Beesley, neighbor Clint Nicholson also express concern over the proposed expansion,

“I am 100% against this plan,” he told the Daily Bee.

The plant’s expansions are to be discussed at a future public hearing.