Exploring Wastewater Solutions for Northern Township

As Northern Township continues to address the critical need for wastewater management, multiple alternatives were evaluated. Each option carried distinct implications for the future of the Township, its residents, and the environment. Below is a detailed analysis of the six primary options considered, along with a brief history of our interactions with the City of Bemidji and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

1. Hook Up to City System as Paying Customers

Initially, Northern Township was offered the opportunity to connect to the City of Bemidji’s existing wastewater system as paying customers, without annexation. In May 2021, Ruttger’s Birchmont Lodge requested to connect to the City system due to a failing septic system, which led to discussions among the City, County, and Township about expanding the City’s system to serve Northern Township.

By January 2022, the City was open to allowing Northern Township to connect as customers, particularly since roadwork was planned along Co. Rd. 20. However, after Northern Township secured $5 million in federal funding for the project in December 2022, the City rescinded its offer. In May 2023, the City officially reversed its position, stating that Township residents could not connect without annexation, despite the Township already securing critical funding based on the City’s initial support.

2. Orderly Annexation — Let the City Install the System

Another option was orderly annexation, in which the City of Bemidji would annex the affected areas of Northern Township and install the wastewater system. While this would allow infrastructure installation, it carried significant drawbacks. Annexed residents would face assessments, SAC/WAC charges, user fees, and increased City taxes. Additionally, the remaining Township would lose a significant portion of its tax base, resulting in higher taxes for non-annexed residents.

In October 2021, Northern Township held a meeting with residents to gather input on the possibility of annexation. The response was overwhelmingly negative, with hundreds of residents voicing strong opposition to annexation. They supported the need for wastewater services but were clear that they did not want to lose their Township identity or face higher taxes.

3. City’s Merger Proposal

In another proposal, the City suggested a full merger, where Northern Township would be absorbed into the City of Bemidji. This option, which would make all Township residents City residents, was met with overwhelming opposition from the community. Residents voiced concerns over losing their rural character, facing higher taxes, and being subject to stricter City ordinances. As a result, this option was ultimately rejected.

4. Township Installs Collection System with Pond Treatment

Instead of relying on the City’s system, Northern Township explored the possibility of building its own wastewater collection system, with treatment managed through a pond facility. The Township identified several potential sites, with one location (School Trust Land, Section 36) being the most viable due to its proximity to Lake Bemidji.

However, the DNR was slow to respond. Despite the Township reaching out in mid-2023, it wasn’t until April 2024 that the DNR provided a definitive answer. They stated that there was no divestment strategy in place for School Trust Land and that any sale or lease would require a lengthy process. Eventually, the DNR declined the Township’s request, forcing us to abandon this option.

5. Do Nothing Option

While it was considered, taking no action presents significant risks. Without a wastewater system, Lake Bemidji’s water quality would remain unprotected, which could result in the loss of the $6 million in federal funding allocated for the project. Additionally, Northern Township could face forced annexation by the City of Bemidji. In such a scenario, residents would still face assessments, SAC/WAC charges, and use fees, but with the added burden of higher City taxes and more restrictive ordinances. This would also result in a loss of Township tax revenue, leading to increased taxes for the remaining residents.

The risks of inaction are too great—both financially and environmentally.

6. Current Path — Township Installs System with Package Plant

The chosen path for Northern Township is to install its own wastewater collection system with a package treatment plant and ground discharge. By March 2024, the Township began exploring mechanical plant options, which turned out to be more cost-effective than initially expected.

This option allows Northern Township to maintain control over its wastewater system, protecting the Township from future forced annexation while securing significant federal funding to reduce project costs. Currently, federal funding covers a large portion of the project, with residents only responsible for 60% of the collection system cost. Additionally, the Township will continue to pursue state funding to further reduce costs.

Most importantly, this solution protects Lake Bemidji’s water quality, ensuring long-term environmental benefits while keeping Northern Township independent.