The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is seeking public comment on a draft wastewater permit and accompanying environmental assessment worksheet (EAW) for a new regional sanitary district to serve the communities of Goodhue, Wanamingo, Zumbrota, and Pine Island. The proposed project would create a wastewater treatment facility on the edge of Zumbrota and include pump stations and pipes to connect the four communities.
Currently, wastewater from the cities is treated at four separate sites. Each city faces similar issues with deteriorating facilities. The new joint North Zumbro Sanitary Sewer District will combine wastewater treatment.
The project includes the proposed construction of a new pump station for each community. Discharge will be to the North Fork of Zumbro River and will replace four existing discharge points. The planned facility will treat the wastewater through biological processes, such as adding oxygen to facilitate bacterial growth; physical processes, such as aeration and settling; and chemical processes that reduce phosphorus levels. The proposed construction would start in late 2026 or early 2027, and end in 2029. It will be on public lands, and no land-use changes are necessary.
The draft National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System and State Disposal System (NPDES/SDS) individual wastewater permit, and the EAW for this project will be on public notice starting March 31. The comment period for the water permit is 60 days, ending June 1. The comment period for the EAW is 30 days, ending April 30. Visit the MPCA’s public comments page to learn more or submit a comment.