City Council Meeting ~ Site Visit Starts at 4:30 at the Wastewater Treatment Plant
Regular MeetingBellevue, ID · November 10, 2025
Agenda
City of Bellevue, Idaho
Wastewater Treatment System Workshop Worksheets
Date: ___________________
Facilitator: ___________________
Participants: Mayor, City Council, Public Works Director, City Engineer, Veolia
Representative
WORKSHEET 1: MBR SYSTEM OPTIONS
Background Information:
• Veolia has confirmed that existing MBR membranes are no longer usable.
• The current membrane type is being phased out and will be unsupported by the
manufacturer. (approximately 8-13 years)
• The City must decide between replacing with existing-type membranes (short-term fix) or
upgrading to new membrane technology.
Comparison Overview:
Criteria Existing-Type Replacement Upgraded System & New
Membranes
Manufacturer Support Phased out Long-term supported
Energy Efficiency Moderate lower operating cost
Capacity Expansion No increase now, but can No increase now, but can
add additional cassettes add additional cassettes
Reliability Similar to prior Improved operational
performance reliability
Cost (initial) Slightly lower Slightly higher, but minor
Cost (lifecycle) Higher (inefficiency + Lower (efficiency +
maintenance) durability)
Discussion Questions:
• What are our short-term vs. long-term goals for the wastewater system?
• Are we prioritizing lowest upfront cost or greatest long-term value?
• What are the potential risks if we replace it with obsolete technology?
• Could system upgrades position Bellevue for future growth or regional service
expansion?
• How can we ensure proper training and maintenance support for whichever system is
selected?
• What are the environmental and regulatory implications of each option?
Notes & Observations:
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WORKSHEET 2: INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES
A. Headworks Channel Repair
• Current channel is aging and unreliable.
• Repair cost: Approximately $40,000.
• Benefits: Improved flow management, reduced maintenance, better integration with MBR
control system.
Questions for Consideration:
• Should the channel repair be included in the same project scope or handled
separately?
• Are there potential cost savings by combining this work with the MBR upgrade
project?
• What is the risk of delaying this repair another year?
B. Dewatering System Installation
• Current system requires frequent sludge hauling.
• Dewatering system would reduce volume and cost of hauling.
• Could be installed as a stand-alone system or integrated with MBR upgrades.
Questions for Consideration:
Are there potential cost savings by installing the dewatering system?
Will the treatment facility operate as intended without a dewatering system?
Should the dewatering System be included as part of a system upgrade or as a
standalone project?
C. RI Basin Rehabilitation
• Current RI basins needs to be modified due to interference with irrigation system and
potential non-uniform flow (DEQ Inspection Letter).
•RI Basin Modifications may allow for increase in flow volume, and maximize available land
near the treatment plant.
• Benefits: Improved treatment capacity, bring the system back into compliance with DEQ.
Questions for Consideration:
Should the RI Basins be included as part of a system upgrade or as a standalone project?
Are there potential cost savings by combining this work with the MBR upgrade project?
What is the risk of delaying this project another year?
C. Lagoon Dredging and Lining
•Due to the need to utilize potassium nitrate to increase oxidation to assist with treatment
and odors the lagoon sludge blanket has likely increased and may need dredged.
•Seepage testing was not completed with the previous project and all lagoons need to be
tested in order for DEQ to give final approval..
•Dredging should be completed before seepage testing begins on all lagoons.
Questions for Consideration:
Can the dredging be delayed another year (or longer)?
Are there potential cost savings by combining this work with the MBR upgrade project?
What is the risk of delaying this project another year?
Are we required to line the third lagoon cell?
Comparison Overview:
Factor Current Practice With Dewatering
Hauling Frequency Weekly/Biweekly Monthly or less
Hauling Costs High Reduced by more than 50%
Staff Time Significant Reduced
Environmental Impact Greater Lower (reduced
emissions/fuel use)
Questions for Consideration:
What are the current annual hauling costs and expected savings with dewatering?
Should this above items be installed/constructed immediately, or in a second project
phase?
What funding sources could be used (SRF, ARPA, DEQ grants)?
Would adding dewatering capacity position the plant for regional or emergency use?
Notes & Observations:
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WORKSHEET 3: FISCAL & STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS
Budget & Funding Discussion:
Project Component Estimated Cost Notes
MBR Membrane $532,000 plus labor Short-term repair
Replacement (existing type) ($10,000) and disposal
MBR System Upgrade (new $572,000 plus labor, Long-term investment
membranes + retrofits) material ($80,000) and
disposal
Headworks Channel Repair $40,000 Can be completed
concurrently
Dewatering System Evaluate ROI vs hauling cost
RI Basin Rehabilitation Long-term investment
Lagoon Dredging and Lining Dredging is typical every
10-15 years; Seepage
testing is required every 10
Engineering/Contingency Required
Questions for Consideration:
What are the state and/or federal deadlines (DEQ) for compliance that could affect
timing?
What communication plan should we prepare for public understanding and
transparency?
Can we get a letter from DEQ, which we could provide to the public, via
website/newsletter, etc. detailing our compliance.
How will this project support Bellevue’s long-term sustainability goals?
Decision Criteria Summary:
☐ Restores compliance and reliability
☐ Minimizes long-term costs
☐ Increases capacity for growth
☐ Improves operational efficiency
☐ Supports environmental goals
☐ Aligns with funding opportunities
☐ Supported by manufacturer/OEM
Council Member Notes/Comments:
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NEXT STEPS & ASSIGNMENTS
Task Responsible Party Due Date Notes
Obtain updated Mayor/Engineer __________
cost estimates from
Veolia
Evaluate funding Treasurer/Administrator __________
options and grant
eligibility
Develop phased Public Works Director __________
implementation
schedule
Schedule follow-up Mayor/Council __________
work session or
vote
Workshop Goal: To reach consensus on whether to:
1. Replace existing membranes (short-term fix), or
2. Upgrade to new technology and incorporate headworks and dewatering improvements
for long-term performance.
3.Determine if RI Basin and Lagoon rehabilitation work should be included in the system
upgrade.
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