The Wye Area Sewer System will provide sewer service to approximately 1,566 acres of industrial, commercial, and residential land northwest of the City of Missoula. Residences and businesses in the area currently have individual wells and drainfields, with several large drainfields serving hotels, restaurants and other commercial establishments. Partially treated wastewater from these onsite wastewater disposal systems has been found to contribute to the degradation of the Clark Fork and Bitterroot Rivers, along with the Missoula Valley Aquifer, which is designated a “sole source aquifer” by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Wye Area Sewer System will help to mitigate this contamination.
The project will consist of approximately 66,000 feet of gravity mains, ranging in size from 8 inch to 21 inch diameter; 255 manholes; three pump stations; 17,000 feet of force main ranging in size from 8 inch to 12 inch diameter; and all related appurtenances.
The project is being implemented in two phases. The first phase will be completed in 2007; the second in 2008. A Rural Special Improvement District (RSID) will be implemented to fund the project, which has an overall budget of nearly $13M.
