100% of the Collection System Improvements project will be paid for by the developer of the Flathead Lake Club. No portion of this project will be paid for by existing LCWSD wastewater ratepayers.

Although this project may have temporary traffic impacts, traffic through the construction zone will be maintained. At times single-lane traffic may be implemented, but traffic impacts will be minimized to the extent possible.

No wastewater service interruption is anticipated throughout the duration of the project. Existing pumping and conveyance infrastructure will remain in service until new infrastructure is installed and in service. If pumping and conveyance infrastructure is to be replaced in its existing location, bypass pumping will be required to ensure that wastewater service is maintained throughout construction of the project. 

Design of this project is currently underway and will continue until all portions of the project receive approval from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT).

Design of the Gravity Main Replacement Project (Blacktail Rd to Bierney Creek Rd) is complete and DEQ approval has been received. Construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2026. Construction of the entire LCWSD Collection System Improvements project much be complete by January 2028.

An onsite wastewater treatment system is typically used to capture wastewater discharged from homes in rural areas where there is no access to a municipal sewer system. These systems generally include a septic tank, which removes solids and provides primary treatment of wastewater, and a drainfield, which is used to discharge the treated water from the septic tank to groundwater.

The Montana Department of Environment Quality (DEQ) is responsible for developing all rules and regulations for onsite wastewater treatment systems including permitting, design, and installation.

LCWSD is required to provide quarterly progress reports to Flathead County outlining the expenditure of funds.

Additionally, LCWSD is required to obtain all necessary project permits, including a Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) discharge permit. No septage will be received at the LCWSD facility until the project design is approved by DEQ and construction of the Phase I and Phase II facilities has been completed. If LCWSD fails to obtain necessary permits, Flathead County may provide written notice of default and seek reimbursement of project funds.

To ensure proper function, onsite wastewater treatment systems must be pumped regularly, and pumped materials must be properly treated and disposed. If these steps are not taken, waste products held in these onsite systems can overflow or seep into groundwater and eventually reach surface waters including Flathead Lake. The SRTF and WWTP facility upgrade project will ensure that septage pumped from onsite wastewater treatment systems and collected through sewer mains is properly collected, treated, and disposed to avoid contamination of the lake as well as surrounding surface and groundwater sources.

In addition to providing safeguards for human health and the natural environment, the project will enable LCWSD to maintain a stable rate structure for its customers. Grant funding from federal and state programs will enable the design and construction of facility upgrades while keeping fees affordable for ratepayers.