Protecting Northern Township’s
Water Resources
The Northern Township Wastewater Management System is a science-based initiative designed to protect our lakes, groundwater, and drinking water by managing nutrient pollution from wastewater. Learn more about Northern Township’s water quality efforts and your responsibilities as a property owner by downloading our Project Overview Guide below.
I’m Looking For
How do I hook up?
Download a copy of the Homeowner’s Sewer Connection Guide to learn more.
Anticipated Costs
Learn about project costs, payment options, and hardship processes.
News/Road Closures
Find out the latest project updates and info on road closures here
FAQ's
Review common sewer connection questions here
Receive project updates and water quality news direct to your inbox.
Preserving Our Quality of Life
Northern Township’s water resources are essential to our way of life, impacting how we live, work, and recreate. Our Comprehensive Wastewater Management System is a proactive environmental initiative aimed at connecting properties currently on septic systems to a township-wide wastewater collection and treatment system. By doing so, we will protect our lakes, groundwater, and overall ecosystem. Without these measures, nutrient pollution poses a significant threat to our community’s health, environment, and property values.
DOWNLOAD OUR PROJECT OVERVIEW HERE!
The Northern Township Wastewater Project Overview Guide provides a comprehensive summary of the Township’s efforts to implement a sustainable wastewater system, protecting Lake Bemidji and supporting future growth. Inside, you’ll find detailed information on the project’s phases, financial plans, connection timelines, and how it benefits both residents and the environment. Download a copy today to stay informed and learn how the project will impact your property and community.
Protecting 100% of Northern Township’s Lake Bemidji Shoreline
Project Phases
The project, approximately 5 miles in length, will be constructed in two phases. Phase 1 will run from the northwest Lake Bemidji boat landing through Lake Bemidji State Park and south to the Lavinia boat landing, with construction anticipated to begin in fall 2025 and primary work planned for 2026. Phase 2 will extend to the Township’s southern border along the east side of Lake Bemidji, with a target construction date of 2027.
This project aims to connect over 400 residential properties and several key facilities, including Lake Bemidji State Park, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Regional Headquarters, and Ruttger’s Birchmont Lodge, to a reliable mechanical plant-based sanitary sewer system. By reducing nutrient pollution and improving water quality, this project will help protect Lake Bemidji’s ecosystem for future generations.
The project is funded by a combination of federal grants, Township road funds, as well as property assessments. For more information on costs and payment options, visit our financial info page.
Community meetings will be held throughout the project to provide updates and answer questions from residents.
LATEST NEWS
Resident Wastewater Meetings Presentation Slide Deck August 2024
On August, 23rd, 2024, Northern Township held a meeting with the residents on Lavinia Rd. to discuss some details about a future wastewater system and treatment plant planned for installation in 2026. On August 26, 2024 Northern Township held another meeting with the...
RFQ Wastewater Project
Request for Qualifications: Planning, Consulting, and Engineering Services for Wastewater Sewer Project Project Overview Northern Township is soliciting qualification statements from interested engineering firms for a critical infrastructure project to install a...
Northern Township Awarded $1 Million Grant for Wastewater Project
Whitehouse Press release: Press Release: Bill Signed: H.R. 4366 | The White House On Saturday, March 9, 2024, the President signed into law:H.R. 4366, the “Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024,”which provides in divisions A through F, full-year funding through...
Water Quality is Everything
One of the sources of nutrient pollution in Lake Bemidji is wastewater from aging septic systems. These systems are often ineffective at removing excess phosphorus and other harmful contaminants, which contribute to water quality degradation, including harmful algae blooms. Nutrient runoff from these systems also threatens the health of our lake and groundwater.
By implementing the Northern Township Wastewater Management System, we will significantly prevent further nutrient pollution, protecting the water quality of Lake Bemidji and nearby water bodies. In addition to safeguarding our lakes and drinking water sources, the project will provide the necessary wastewater infrastructure to support community growth and development while ensuring long-term environmental sustainability.
Need Additional Assistance?
Northern Township is here to educate, guide, and equip property owners throughout construction and the sewer connection process.
How will implementation of the sewer expansion plan be paid for?
In December 2022, Northern Township secured a $5 million grant from the 2023 Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) funds. This substantial financial support was followed by an additional $1 million grant in February 2024 from the next year’s CDS funds. These grants are crucial for the project, which has an estimated total cost of $19 million, with phase one projected at $12 million. With these grant dollars, the Township is able to pay 100% of the mechanical plant installation cost and 40% of the collection system. Ongoing efforts to secure more funding are underway, with partners at the Capitol assisting with state bonding and grant applications, and a request pending for further federal appropriations.
What costs am I responsible for when connecting to municipal sewer?
As a property owner, you will be responsible for the following costs:
- Sewer Assessment: The assessment rate is set 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Monthly Service Fee: Once connected, you will be charged a monthly service fee of $55 for the maintenance and operation of the wastewater system.
- 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.
How do I find a qualified contractor to connect my property to sewer service?
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.
Do I have a choice whether or not to connect to new sewer service?
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.
Is there any payment assistance or abatement of either the Sewer Assessment or connection costs?
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.
How Do I Apply for the Special Assessment Deferment?
Contact Northern Township:
445 Townhall Rd NE Bemidji, MN 56601 Phone: 218-751-4989