Residents have up to five (5) years to connect to the new wastewater system after it becomes operational. If your septic system is newer and functioning properly, you may choose to delay connection within this timeframe. However, to ensure the municipal system operates efficiently and achieves its environmental goals, it’s important that all properties connect within the five-year period.

If you have questions or believe you have circumstances that may necessitate a delay, please contact the Northern Township planning and zoning office at 218-751-4989 or chris.lahn@northerntownship.com.

Residents are expected to connect to the new wastewater system within five (5) years after the system becomes operational, which is expected to be in 2026. Early connection is encouraged to ensure adequate flows for efficient plant operation. Additionally, the $2,000 connection fee will be waived for residents who connect within the first year of service availability.

Once you have received your Notice of Sewer Connection Hookup, you will need to hire a licensed sewer installer. Your licensed sewer installer will do the actual construction on your property.

You can find a list of updated licensed sewer contractors on the Beltrami County Environmental Services here.

If you have recently installed a new septic system that is functioning properly, you may delay connecting to the new wastewater system for up to five (5) years. However, to ensure the effectiveness and financial viability of the municipal system, it is important that all properties connect within this timeframe.

As a property owner, you will be responsible for the following costs:

1. Sewer Assessment: The assessment rate is currently estimated at $165 per equivalent lineal foot. For an average lot measuring 85 feet, the assessment cost would be approximately $14,025. Assessments take effect when the system is installed, regardless of when you choose to connect. You can opt to pay the Sewer Assessment all at once when due or finance it over twenty (20) years via your property tax bill at an interest rate of 2% above the Township’s borrowing rate.

2. Connection Fee: There is a one-time connection fee of $2,000. However, this fee will be waived if you connect within the first year after service becomes available to your property.

3. Connection Costs: You are responsible for the cost of connecting your property to the wastewater system. Typical connection costs are around $30 per foot from your house to the system stub; a 50-foot run would cost approximately $1,500.

4. Monthly Service Fee: Once connected, you will be charged a monthly service fee of $55 for the maintenance and operation of the wastewater system.

5. Septic System Removal: You are responsible for the cost of removing your old septic system if you choose to do so. However, removal is not required.

Yes, assessment relief options are available under Minnesota Statute 435.193 for hardship cases, including seniors, disabled individuals, and military persons. These options may allow for a deferral of the assessment payments under certain conditions. For more information, please refer to Appendix 1 in the Resident Connection Guide or contact the Northern Township planning and zoning office at 218-751-4989 or chris.lahn@northerntownship.com.

After you connect to the municipal wastewater system, you are responsible for your existing septic system. Any components of a SSTS, cesspool, or other similar system that will no longer be used must be abandoned in accordance with Minnesota Rule 7080.2500. The owner or owner’s agent must submit a completed record of abandonment to the Beltrami Environmental Service Department within 15 days of abandonment.

All septic system related questions should be directed to Beltrami County Environmental Services at 218-333-4158 or Northern Township at 218-751-4989 or via email at  info@northerntownship.com. 

While much of the sewer connection process is similar, commercial properties may have different assessment rates and service fees based on usage. Larger commercial properties will be charged based on usage equivalents or other criteria determined by the Township. For specific details on how your commercial property will be charged and any differences in the connection process, please contact the Northern Township planning and zoning office at 218-751-4989 or chris.lahn@northerntownship.com.

The purpose of the Sewer Assessment is to charge property owners who will be connected to the new wastewater system a fair share of the cost of the infrastructure needed to provide that service. Property owners connecting to the wastewater system will have the convenience and reliability of modern sewer service without the costs of maintaining and ultimately replacing a private septic system. Properties connected to the wastewater system may experience an increase in property value and marketability.

All property owners whose properties are eligible to connect to the new wastewater system are required to pay the Sewer Assessment. The assessment is calculated based on the property’s equivalent frontage along the sewer line, at a rate of $165 per equivalent lineal foot. Assessments take effect when the system is installed, regardless of when you choose to connect.

The Sewer Assessment includes your proportional share of the cost of constructing the wastewater collection system infrastructure that will serve your property. It does not include:

– The cost of connecting your property to the sewer system (connection costs).

– The one-time connection fee (waived if you connect within the first year).

– The cost of removing your old septic system.

The Sewer Assessment becomes payable when the wastewater system is installed, regardless of when you choose to connect. You can opt to pay the Sewer Assessment in full when due or finance it over twenty (20) years via your property tax bill at an interest rate of 2% above the Township’s borrowing rate.

If you sell your property, the remaining balance of the Sewer Assessment may either be paid off at the time of sale or transferred to the new owner, depending on the agreement between you and the buyer and any requirements from financial institutions involved. It’s important to disclose any outstanding assessments or liens to potential buyers during the sale process.

The remaining funding needed for the project will be met through Sewer Assessments charged to property owners based on their property’s frontage along the sewer line. Additionally, the Township is actively pursuing further funding opportunities to reduce costs to residents.

The Township is coordinating with Beltrami County’s reconstruction plans for County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 20, allowing for significant cost savings and efficiency by aligning the sewer project with planned road upgrades. The Township is utilizing grant funding to cover major portions of the project costs and may finance remaining costs through municipal bonds or other financing mechanisms as needed.

For more information about funding for the Northern Township Wastewater System Project, please contact the Northern Township planning and zoning office at 218-751-4989 or chris.lahn@northerntownship.com.

Since the 1960s, there have been ongoing discussions about providing municipal services around Lake Bemidji. The need for a comprehensive wastewater system has become increasingly critical due to three main factors:

1. Known system failures
2. Numerous aging septic systems
3. Small, densely packed parcels with poor soils and a high water table that limit effective nutrient filtration and hinder wastewater management

Most of the lakefront property on Lake Bemidji was divided into lots over a century ago. As a result, many of these lots are significantly smaller than current standards, making it difficult to accommodate modern septic systems. These aging and inadequate systems pose substantial environmental and health risks, threatening not only the water quality of Lake Bemidji but also the broader Mississippi River ecosystem.

Northern Township is taking proactive steps to manage environmental risks due to aging septic systems on small, densely packed parcels around Lake Bemidji. The high water table and poor soils limit effective nutrient filtration, leading to nutrient pollution—particularly phosphorus—entering the lake. This contributes to algae blooms and degrades water quality, posing risks to aquatic life and recreational use of the lake.

A watershed is an area of land that drains or “sheds” water into a specific water body, such as a river, lake, or ocean. Lake Bemidji’s watershed includes all the land areas where water flows into Lake Bemidji and the Mississippi River, affecting its water quality. Protecting the watershed is crucial for maintaining the health of the lake and the larger Mississippi River ecosystem.

Phosphorus can enter Lake Bemidji through various sources, both natural and human-induced. Major contributors include:

– Runoff from fertilized lawns and agricultural lands.

– Erosion of soil that carries phosphorus into the lake.

– Failing or inadequate septic systems that allow phosphorus to seep into the groundwater and eventually into the lake.

Reducing phosphorus inputs is essential to prevent excessive algae growth and protect water quality.

If Northern Township does not take action to address the aging septic systems and increased housing density and the resulting nutrient pollution, Lake Bemidji’s water quality will likely degrade.

Data from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) show that Lake Bemidji frequently approaches or exceeds the Northern Lakes and Forests Ecoregion phosphorus impairment threshold of 0.03 mg/L (30 µg/L), placing it at risk of long-term impairment.

This can lead to:

– More frequent and severe algae blooms.

– Harm to aquatic life and the lake’s ecosystem.

– Reduced suitability for swimming, fishing, and boating.

– Negative impacts on property values and the local economy.

– Potential regulatory actions and increased environmental compliance costs.

– Installing a modern wastewater system that includes a mechanical package treatment plant and a sewer collection system serving properties along the north and northeast sides of Lake Bemidji.

– Coordinating with Beltrami County’s road reconstruction plans to maximize efficiency and cost savings.

– Securing significant funding through grants to cover major portions of the project costs.

– Actively pursuing additional funding to minimize costs to residents.

– Implementing a phased approach to construction, with Phase One expected to be completed in 2026 and phase two slated to begin in 2027.

Minnesota Statutes, Sections 435.193 through 435.195 authorize municipalities to defer the payments of special assessments.

To learn more about the process, contact Northern Township at 218-751-4989 or visit the township office at 445 Townhall Rd NE, Bemidji, MN 56601.

– Age or Disability: Be 65 years of age or older, or retired due to a permanent and total disability. Members of the National Guard or other reserves ordered to active military service may also qualify.

– Ownership: Be the fee simple owner of the property or a contract vendor for fee simple ownership.

– Homestead Status: The property must be classified and taxed as homestead property.

– Income Threshold: The first year’s installment of the special assessment must exceed 2% of your total household income.

Contact Northern Township at 218-751-4989 or visit the township office at 445 Townhall Rd NE, Bemidji, MN 56601.

The deferral will terminate if:

– The owner dies (and the spouse is not eligible).

– The property is sold, transferred, or subdivided.

– The property loses its homestead status.

– The owner no longer qualifies.

– The owner chooses to terminate the deferral.