Lomira to Add UV Disinfection Treatment to Wastewater Treatment Plant

Sheri Scott with MSA Professional Services gave a presentation on the Village of Lomira’s upcoming disinfection treatment project for the wastewater treatment plant during a public hearing on Wednesday, February 11.

Per changes in Department of Natural Resources (DNR) requirements, the village must add E. coli disinfection processes to the wastewater treatment plant to come into compliance with new disinfection effluent limits before its Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permit can be reissued.

The village’s permit was reissued in October 2024. Permits are issued for a five-year term, meaning the newly required disinfection addition must be completed and functioning by April 30, 2029, for future reissuing.

Scott explained that MSA investigated three disinfection options: UV disinfection, peracetic acid (PAA) disinfection, and chlorine disinfection with dechlorination.

“We looked at UV disinfection, which is basically channelizing your wastewater flow, and running it across lightbulbs that emit ultraviolet light,” said Scott. “That disinfects or kills the E. coli bacteria.”

MSA calculated that adding UV disinfection would cost $1,312,000, with an operation and maintenance cost of $13,000 annually.

“We also looked at peracetic acid, a chemical that you would use to deactivate the E. coli. You would construct a large concrete basin and hold the wastewater for about 30 minutes to let the chemical work and deactivate the E. coli. That would come along with a building to store the chemical as well,” explained Scott. “Same thing with chlorine disinfection and dechlorination.”

PAA disinfection would cost $1,365,000 with an annual cost of $17,000. Chlorine disinfection expenses would be $1,805,000 with a yearly operation and maintenance cost of $15,700.

“In this case, the ultraviolet light disinfection process turned out to be the most economical option for the community, so that’s our recommendation,” stated Scott.

The estimated total project cost is $1.71 million, and also includes replacing the aeration blowers in the wastewater treatment facility. The village has experienced repeated issues with the current blowers. The estimated sewer user rate increases are an additional $7 to $10 per month to help cover project expenses. According to MSA, the rate increase is dependent on project timing, market price of equipment cost, and contractor installation, among other factors.

The village is also eligible to apply for DNR Clean Water loan funding to help cover project expenses. Last year, the village qualified for 25% principal forgiveness on clean water funding.

When Scott finished her presentation, the floor was opened for residents to ask questions. No residents were in attendance; however, board members had additional questions for Scott. Trustee Gary More inquired about seeking further DNR funding assistance because the village had recently upgraded its facility in 2022.

“I’m wondering if there’s a way we can somehow make this more palatable for us because we just spent X number of dollars on the wastewater treatment, and the [DNR] turned right around and put us behind the eight ball again,” stated Trustee More.

“We’ve had a lot of people say the same thing,” responded Scott. “We asked if the [DNR] would maybe be interested in issuing additional principal forgiveness for all these communities that have to implement disinfection upgrades now, and ‘You can take part in our current program’ is their answer.”

MSA plans to bid the disinfection treatment project in October or November, with construction beginning in the spring of 2027. This would allow for testing to be completed by the end of September 2028. The anticipated time of total project completion is December 2028.

Board Matters:

• In the regular village board meeting that followed the public hearing, the board discussed awarding the contract for the South Avenue reconstruction project. The lowest bid of $1,593,832.44 was from Kartechner Brothers LLC. The village received a $1 million Community Development Block Grant for the project. A motion to award the project to Kartechner Brothers LLC was made by Trustee More and passed 6-0. President Don Luedtke was absent from the meeting.
• The board also considered approving the 2026 agreement with the Lomira Athletic Association for the Athletic Fields Park. Trustee Jennifer Priesgen made the motion to approve the agreement, which passed unanimously.
• Additionally, the board discussed the 2026 contract with Midwest Contract Operations (MCO) for wastewater treatment plant services. Administrator-Clerk-Treasurer Jenna Rhein informed the board the cost increased slightly, which was budgeted for. She also stated that MCO is aware that the village is attempting to hire a Department of Public Works employee to be the plant operator. If the village hires an operator, it must give MCO 60 days’ notice for contract termination. The motion to approve the contract was made by Trustee Joey Jewell and passed unanimously.
• Resolution #1069, special assessment of roadway improvements to parcel 146-1317-1544-040, was also discussed by the board. The special assessment of $12,000 against the Haak Chiropractic property is for South Avenue improvements Dr. Joe Haak agreed to contribute because his business utilizes that section of roadway for exclusive parking. A motion to pass the resolution was made by Trustee More and passed unanimously.