The Superior Express -

Flood waters flowing past Superior in the Republican River have long been a problem for the city’s wastewater treatment plant.

While the plant is located out of the flood zone, the effluent is discharged into the river.

When the river level rises above the sewage plant’s discharge line located downstream from the east river bridge, wastewater begins backing up toward the plant. Plant employees have had to keep a close watch on the river level and remove the plant’s ultraviolet treatment system to prevent damage.

While the water has never gotten high enough to stop the flow of waste water into the plant, the higher the river level, the more problems result.

Earlier this year, the city was award a $261,000 grant funded jointly by the state and federal emergency management agencies. It is hoped the grant will pay most of the costs associated with adding two vertical shaft pumps. The purpose of the pumps will be to force wastewater into the river while the river is in flood stage and covering the outflow line.

Most years the river is that high at least once. Some years the high water levels have occurred several times.

Monday evening members of the city council agreed to retain the JEO engineering firm to design the project. Design work will cost about $50,000.

The council approved the purchase of a new sewer tapping machine provided the cost does not exceed $6,500. The new machine will replace a 40-year-old model that is operated with a gasoline engine. The new machine will be operated by compressed air. It is thought it will be easier to operate.

While the Superior schools were closed during the COVID lockdown, 455 new lighting fixtures were installed and 2,433 fixtures retrofitted to use the more modern LED type of bulb. The project qualified for a $14,410 Energywise grant. Of this amount, 90 percent will be paid by the city and 10 percent by the Nebraska Public Power District. The project replaced or upgraded all light fixtures in the high school and middle school.