Wastewater project moves forward, expected to come in under budget

City of Nezperce makes progress on updated wastewater system.

The City of Nezperce has been working for several years on a major wastewater improvement project designed to address ammonia levels in the city’s wastewater system and provide a long-term solution for the community.

The project began in late 2018, when the City received notice from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of issues with ammonia levels under the City’s NPDES wastewater permit. The City began exploring options and conducted a feasibility study to determine the best solution.

After discussions with the City Attorney and the City’s engineering firm, JUB Engineers, the City decided to pursue a land application system. Simply put, the system stores treated wastewater and then pumps it through sprinklers onto a crop field, providing a beneficial use for the water while helping the City meet wastewater treatment requirements.

Finding Funding

After completing the feasibility study, the City began searching for funding to make the project a reality. At JUB’s request, the City initially sought voter approval for a bond. In 2022, voters approved a $500,000 bond. However, then Mayor Steve Bateman informed JUB that the City did not intend to use the bond, leading the engineering firm to pursue other funding opportunities. Those efforts were successful. The City ultimately secured:

$1,000,000 Corps of Engineers grant
$500,000 Idaho Community Development Block Grant
$11,856,005 in two American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grants
$1,779,360 State Revolving Loan (SRL) package

The SRL package included 50 percent loan forgiveness, provided the City used the funds. As part of the loan package, the City was required to begin collecting funds that could be used toward repayment if it used the loan. In 2023, the City began collecting a $5 monthly SRL fee from each account connected to the City sewer system.

Project Construction

In early 2020, the City began searching for a suitable project location. After considering several possible sites, the City determined that the ideal location was north of town, above the airport. Planning and preparation continued until Phase I began in 2024, with land preparation and construction of two large holding reservoirs.

In 2026, Phase II began. The team completed additional preparation work to prepare the ponds for the next stage of the project. Once operational, the reservoirs will hold treated wastewater, which can then be pumped and distributed through sprinklers onto a crop selected by the City.

Coming in Under Budget

The entire project was originally estimated to cost the City more than $12 million. Through careful project management and the diligence of Crea Construction, the JUB engineering team, and Rhonda Schmidt and Craig Cardwell at City Hall, the project is currently expected to come in under budget. Coming in under budget means the City does not expect to need the State Revolving Loan package. Because the City has been collecting the $5 sewer fee since 2023, those funds have accumulated as a reserve.

At its September 14, 2026, meeting, the City Council passed a resolution to continue collecting the $5 fee for maintenance and future improvements. The resolution also provides that all amounts previously collected under the prior resolution will remain in the City’s sewer fund and will be dedicated to future improvements to the City’s sewer system.

The wastewater project represents years of planning, grant writing, engineering, construction, and financial management. The City is now moving closer to completing a long-term wastewater solution that will serve the Nezperce community for years to come.