The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is seeking public comment on a draft wastewater permit and accompanying environmental assessment worksheet (EAW) for a project that combines treatment facilities for five Wright County communities and improves water quality in the Crow River.
The Annandale-Maple Lake-Howard Lake Wastewater Commission (AMHWC) plans to consolidate treatment by rerouting wastewater from the Montrose Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF), which includes wastewater from Waverly, to the Annandale-Maple Lake-Howard Lake WWTF. Improvements include building more aeration basins, construction of a new “blower building” to pump in air, and a new stormwater pond.
The expanded facility will treat wastewater to a better quality than is currently being discharged into the North Fork of the Crow River from the Montrose WWTF. Permit limits will restrict phosphorus discharge.
Project construction will begin in fall 2026 and is expected to be substantially completed by summer 2028.
The draft National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System and State Disposal System (NPDES/SDS) individual wastewater permit will be on public notice from March 31-June 1, 2026. The EAW for this project will be on public notice from April 7-May 7, 2026. Visit the MPCA’s public comments page to learn more or submit a comment.