BL's sewage goes eco-groovy By Matt Kapko Eye Reporter The Arcata Eye May 20, 2003 Ever wondered about what interesting items get flushed down the toilet? Or how about just where that cyclone of water and waste ends up? Curiosities such as these were satisfied for members of the Blue Lake City Council last Tuesday, May 13. As a precursor to the council meeting, Larry Drescher, the wastewater plant supervisor, provided a tour of Blue Lake’s series of sewer ponds in the Peaceable Hamlet’s western front. Drescher introduced to the council a new headworks system that is replacing the current 10-year-old system. The new grinder system will remove all non-biodegradable waste and pack it into a container for disposal. All organic matter will be ground up and washed out to the ponds. Currently, so much non-biodegradable waste is sneaking into the ponds that it has gotten to the point of slowly filling in the ponds. “We’re hoping this will save us a couple years by doing it now,” Drescher said, fearing that the ponds will fill in soon. The Blue Lake Casino is a major contributor of the non-biodegradable waste making way into the headworks, Drescher said, and has contributed funds to help shoulder the cost of replacing the current system. The headworks project carries a price tag of approximately $100,000, of which the Blue Lake Rancheria pitched in 75 percent. Much to the anticipation of the Rancheria, this new design is expected to reduce odors, a major point of concern for the Tribe as it sits within a stone’s throw distance of the ponds. Canadian geese reside on the sewer ponds and leave their own odorous mark along the ponds’ edges. Mixed with that is the faint scent of mint and human waste. Drescher explained that one cause of the odors is a heightened flow that creates “dead spots” in the ponds where bacteria die and anaerobic matter rises. Some showed concern when Drescher described the chemical mixture (a brine solution that creates a mild form of sodium hypochlorite) which is used to break down waste. He said there is no other way to do so economically. Mayor Dave Nakamura added, “Everyone thinks Arcata is so ecogroovy,” but their waste is also treated with chemicals, twice. A lasting concern on some councilmembers’ minds was whether the wastewater plant could handle more customers in the case of annexation. “We’d have to upgrade this treatment plant before we take anything else on,” Drescher replied. The new headworks is expected to be up and running by mid July. Blue Lake public transit system After the council regrouped for its meeting, the issue of renewing the contract for Blue Lake’s public transit system was discussed. Donna Lawson, the Rancheria’s transit director, provided figures she’s kept of rider ship since the bus first ran in late August, 2002. The figures showed a consistent and steady increase, with 292 riders in September, 2002, and 1,094 riders last April. The monthly cost of operating the bus is $6,677. The Rancheria currently foots half of the bill, the city pays a third and fares pay for the remainder of costs. With almost a year of steady success on the route, Lawson is optimistic, adding, “We would eventually like to run on Saturday.” Although the council has yet to hint that it will not renew the contract, residents and community leaders showed up to voice their support for the bus system. Their reasons for support came in many forms. The council reiterated its support to quell rumors that it may not renew the contract. City Councilmember Brian Julian backed up that support, citing how dismayed he is by the U.S. history of reliance on the private automobile. “It’s inspiring to see these numbers go up every month,” he said, referring to increasing rider ship. City Councilmember Marlene Smith said she thinks there are few ways the city can make a significant difference in the social being of the community. She sees the transit system as one of those ways. The contract with the city for transit service expires on June 30. Home