Sanitary Sewer Utility Overview

Sanitary Sewer - Administration

Guidance for the overall Utility operation and maintenance functions is provided by the Administration Section.

Sanitary Sewer - Engineering

The Engineering Section of the Sewer Utility is responsible for the planning and design of various sewerage improvements such as sewer districts, trunk sewer extensions, pump stations and wastewater treatment facilities.   This work includes preparation of construction contract documents (plans and specifications), construction inspection, supervision and providing assistance in easement acquisition.   Sanitary sewer plans for private development are reviewed to ensure conformance with City and State rules, regulations, and standards.   All sanitary sewer plans, maps and other reference documents are maintained and updated for use by contractors, developers, realtors and the general public.

Sanitary Sewer - Treatment Plant/Field O & M

Operation of the Columbia Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant is provided on a three shift, 24-hour per day basis each day of the year.   Responsibility for adequate treatment of wastewater and wastewater biosolids (sludge) rests with the Plant Operations section.   The Field Operations section is responsible for the operation of the Wetlands and the effluent pumping station located adjacent to the MDC Eagle Bluffs Wildlife Area and the wastewater treatment and spray irrigation system at the ColumbiaRegionalAirport.   The Plant Maintenance Section performs breakdown and preventive maintenance on Plant equipment and all field facilities, makes modifications and new installations as needed, and is responsible for care of buildings and provides routine operation of eleven wastewater pumping stations located in the Columbia area.   The Sludge Management Program is responsible for the ultimate disposal of the anaerobically digested biosolids by land application, and for annual reporting to MDNR, as well as grounds maintenance at the Regional WWTP, wetlands, and field facilities.   Industrial pretreatment management is also provided by this section.   The Laboratory Section performs process control testing, MDNR monitoring and compliance reporting for the Regional WWTP and field sampling for the Sludge Pretreatment Management Programs.   Liaison with research organizations and tours of the wetlands are provided by the Lab Section.

Sanitary Sewer – Line Maintenance

The Sewer Maintenance Section is responsible for the maintenance of approximately 635 miles of sanitary sewer pipe.  This involves routine cleaning of sanitary sewer pipe; routine internal television inspection of pipe; repair and/or replacement of pipe and manholes; and investigation of complaints and correction of problems identified.

For Sanitary Sewer Rates, See Chapter 22, Section 263 -- Columbia Code of Ordinances.