Environment and Natural Resources
For Immediate Release
For More Information: David Ryan, 773-4216

DENR Board Approves $500,000 for Elk Point’s Wastewater System

(Pierre) – The state Board of Water and Natural Resources approved a $500,000 grant under the Consolidated program for Elk Point to expand its wastewater treatment system.

Gov. Bill Janklow recommended the grant, which was approved recently during the board’s meeting in Pierre.

"Elk Point needs to repair and expand its wastewater lagoons," said Janklow. "This grant will help Elk Point get this very necessary project done."

DENR issued Elk Point a compliance schedule to fix its leaking wastewater lagoons during August 2000. As the lagoon situation was studied, the existing lagoons were determined to be too small to adequately treat Elk Point’s wastewater flows. An additional lagoon is needed. 

The project calls for Elk Point to construct a new 21.9-acre lagoon that will serve as the primary cell in the city’s three-cell treatment system. Two of the existing lagoon cells will be retained and the existing leaking cell will be converted into an artificial wetland. The wetland will be the last in the series of wastewater lagoons, and will receive treated water from the preceding three lagoon cells. 

The total estimated cost to upgrade Elk Point’s wastewater treatment system is $1,086,700.

The Consolidated program provides grants and loans for water, wastewater, and watershed projects.

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