Alternative Analysis

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).

Historical Background and Research Leading to Current Wastewater Solution

The journey to address Northern Township’s wastewater needs has been decades in the making, documented as far back as the 1970s. This historical context sheds light on why the centralized system has emerged as the most viable solution for our community.

1975: First Proposal for Connection to City System
In 1975, Northern Township sent letters to residents to gauge their interest in connecting to the City of Bemidji’s wastewater system. This marked the first significant step toward finding a sustainable solution for managing the township’s wastewater needs.

1976: Stewart and Walker Inc. Study
A year later, Stewart and Walker Inc. conducted a study recommending an extension of the city sewer all the way to the golf course. This proposal highlighted the growing need for improved wastewater infrastructure, especially for the areas surrounding Lake Bemidji.

1999/2000: KBM Study on Cluster Systems
In 1999, due to several poor conditions for on-site septic systems along a portion of Waville Rd, Northern Township installed a cluster system and created the Waville Subordinate Sewer district. In 2000, KBM conducted a study on potential of installing further cluster systems around Lake Bemidji. They found that moving away from individual on-site septic systems to a more collective approach could mitigate many negative conditions caused by small, densely packed parcels, poor soils, and a high water table, which limit effective nutrient filtration and hinder wastewater management. The study concluded that cluster systems could significantly improve wastewater management around Lake Bemidji within Northern Township.

2005: MPCA Application for State Disposal System Permit
In 2005, Northern Township applied for a State Disposal System permit through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to install a treatment plant off Lakewood Drive to serve the Birchmont Drive and Court areas. Once again, the growing density of small, substandard parcels without adequate space lead the discussion for the need for a different wastewater solution. The application, prepared by KBM, signaled further focus on centralized wastewater solutions. Ultimately, this project was abandoned in favor of extending city services from Bemidji which had also become part of the discussion again.

2008: Birchmont Drive Sewer Extension and Annexation
In 2008, the sewer was extended to Birchmont Drive, and the area was annexed into the City of Bemidji’s system. Residents faced significant costs, with an average charge of $21,000 per household. This project set a precedent for the costs associated with extending city services to township areas.

2012: Comprehensive Assessment Report (CAR) by Wenck
Responding to concerns about failing septic systems on Birchmont Court and the challenges posed by small parcels, Wenck prepared a Comprehensive Assessment Report (CAR) in 2012. The report analyzed three options: replacing individual septic systems, creating a combination of cluster and septic systems, or connecting to the City of Bemidji’s system. The CAR estimated that connection to the city system would cost residents around $26,000 each. While these numbers included both water and sewer, we also have a 2008 estimate from project documents indicating that properties with existing water service, receiving only sewer, were to be assessed at $14,470. Adjusting for Wenck’s factors and accounting for inflation at a conservative rate of 2.69%, this amount would be equivalent to $24,072 today. Based on the CAR findings, regionalization was recommended by local area septic expert Dave Larson and the Greater Bemidji Area Joint Powers Board (GBAJPB) as the best long-term solution. Although a higher-cost option, the increasing density of small, substandard parcels without adequate space for onsite septic systems reinforced the recommendation for a centralized solution as the most environmentally beneficial and optimal for land use.

Current Project Background


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. With an average assessment currently projected at $14,025, these costs are far less than the projected costs of connecting the City of Bemidji’s system at $24,072 in today’s dollars from the 2008 Birchmont Dr. project.

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.

Conclusion: A Path Forward

After a thorough evaluation of various alternatives, Northern Township’s decision to install its own collection system with a package plant offers the best long-term solution. This option preserves the Township’s autonomy, minimizes financial burdens on residents, and protects the environment. With federal funding secured and additional state funding on the horizon, Northern Township is on track to achieve a sustainable wastewater solution that benefits the community for generations to come.

Stay Connected and Informed

We encourage all residents to remain engaged with the wastewater treatment project. Attend meetings, provide feedback, and stay updated on the latest developments. Your active participation helps us make informed decisions that benefit everyone in Northern Township.