There are many changes underway in Eagle. Rapid growth, increasing regulatory changes, and a desire to have direct control over our future, have motivated the Eagle Sewer District to undertake a wastewater facility planning effort. For this reason, the Eagle Sewer District has retained the engineering firm MWH to prepare a Wastewater Facility Plan.
Eagle Sewer District currently treats wastewater in lagoons and then pumps the treated effluent to the City of Boise's West Boise Wastewater Treatment Facility for further treatment and discharge to the Boise River. For this treatment, the Eagle Sewer District now purchases capacity in the West Boise Wastewater Treatment Facility and pays monthly charges that are based on the amount of flow, organic load, solids load and ammonia load. In the future, additional charges to remove phosphorus are expected.
As part of the Wastewater Facility Plan, the Eagle Sewer District is considering the construction of a new state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant, which could discharge high quality water to the Boise River. This water would be of higher quality than any current discharge to the Boise River and would enhance overall water quality. The potential opportunity to reuse the treated water is also being considered.
How does the Eagle Sewer District (ESD) currently handle its patrons' wastewater?
Residences and businesses located in the District's service area discharge wastewater into the ESD collection system, a series of interconnected pipes that convey wastewater to ESD's wastewater treatment plant located south of Highway 44 near the north channel of the Boise River. At the ESD treatment plant, the wastewater undergoes partial treatment in a set of lagoons, and is then pumped to the City of Boise's West Boise Wastewater Treatment Facility where it undergoes further treatment before being discharged to the Boise River.
Does the City of Boise Charge ESD for treating its wastewater?
Yes. The City of Boise charges both a capacity fee and monthly operation and maintenance fees. If the District constructs its own wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), ESD would not need to purchase additional capacity from the City of Boise and the monthly operation and maintenance fees would be significantly reduced. Since the agreement began with the City of Boise in 1998, ESD has paid more than $6,000,000 to Boise.
What constitutes the ESD service area?
The ESD service area generally coincides with the City of Eagle's impact area.
How is the District governed and is the City of Eagle involved?
The Eagle Sewer District is governed by an independent Board of Directors who are elected by qualified voters who reside within the District's boundaries. The District enjoys a close and productive working relationship with the City of Eagle, but in all respects the District is an independent governmental entity.
How was the Eagle Sewer District created?
The Eagle Sewer District receives its operating authority from Idaho State Code, Chapter 32, Sections 43-3201 through 42-3238. The Eagle Sewer District was formed in 1963 in response to a need for central sewer service. The City of Eagle was incorporated in1971. As noted earlier, an elected Board of Directors governs the District. The Board meets on the second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the office of Eagle Sewer District. All meetings are open to the public. Current Agendas and Meeting Minutes are available on the District's website.
What steps are being taken by ESD to deal with growth and plan for the future?
The District has retained the engineering firm MWH to prepare a Facility Plan that addresses the capital improvements that are needed for the ESD during the next 20 years. The Facility Planning process is currently under way. Some of the issues that are being addressed in the Facility Plan include 1) whether to continue with the current operating practice involving partial treatment by ESD followed by further treatment and disposal at the West Boise Wastewater Treatment Facility, 2) evaluating the expected useful life of ESD's existing wastewater treatment plant, 3) evaluating various wastewater treatment alternatives that will be needed to handle more stringent regulatory requirements as well as continued growth in the ESD service area, and 4) examining possible ways to conserve and protect our precious water resources through treatment and reuse.
Will ESD patrons be asked to pay more for sewer services in the future?
It is likely that monthly sewer bills will increase in the coming years, although the actual amount has yet to be determined. Rate increases will be needed to offset inflation of operational and repair costs, as well as to cover capital costs for building additional treatment facilities that will likely be required in response to more stringent regulatory requirements aimed at enhancements in water quality. Some of the operation and maintenance costs of a potential new WWTP will be offset by reductions in the current fees paid to the City of Boise for treatment.
What is meant by the terms wastewater or sewer?
The terms "sewer," "sewage," or "wastewater" refers to all the used water and water-borne waste that is generated in homes or business. This includes, but is not necessarily limited to, wastewater from toilets, tubs/showers, sinks, washing machines, garbage disposals and dishwashers. This wastewater is carried from your home or business to the wastewater treatment plant where it is treated, disinfected, and discharged into the Boise River.
How much is the sewer service fee?
A residential unit pays a flat fee of $26 per month. Commercial accounts can pay much more depending upon the size and type of business.
Why is there an Eagle Sewer District levy on my property tax bill?
Eagle Sewer District operates almost exclusively on user fees. The small amount you see levied on your property tax bill is split between the District's Operation and Maintenance costs and the property and administrative liability insurance.
How do I get more information about the Eagle Sewer District, its services and plans?
The District's website - www.eaglesewer.com - is a good source of information. You can also call the District's administration office at 208-939-0132.
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