City Approves Septage Project and Fire Engine Purchase
The City of Pierre is moving forward with its plan to better track and manage the waste it receives from septic system haulers. On Dec. 20, 2022, the Commission approved a $205,000 bid from Morris, Inc. to install a septage receiving station at the City’s baling facility.
Currently, that waste is deposited at the City’s wastewater plant. With the existing system, the City has no accurate mechanism for tracking how much product is coming into the plant or a mechanism for diluting and screening the material before it reaches the plant.
“By relocating the septage pit to our solid waste facility, septic haulers will cross our scale. That will help us determine how much product we’re dealing with,” said City Engineer John Childs. “Additionally, the new receiving station enables closer monitoring of the waste material prior to it entering the wastewater plant.”
Childs went on to say that this change is a win for taxpayers because it makes sure septic haulers are paying for the disposal of all the material they deliver, and it protects the plant from the wear and tear of undiluted and unscreened waste.
No other bids were received for this project. The project is expected to begin this coming spring and be complete before fall 2023.
Fire Engine Purchase
The Commission also accepted the bid to replace the Pierre Fire Department’s #2 Engine for $490,600. The Commission received two bids, and accepted the lowest bid from M&T Fire and Safety out of Volga. The new engine is expected to be delivered in June of 2024 and will replace a 17-year-old engine.