Gladwin provides update on wastewater treatment plant

GLADWIN, Mich. (WNEM) - Significant progress is being made at the City of Gladwin Wastewater Treatment Plant as technical teams advance temporary treatment improvements and work toward restoring the plant’s complete treatment process. The city’s update shows the latest verified information regarding current operations, wastewater-quality monitoring, additional safeguards and electrical repairs.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Wastewater discharge reported in Cedar River after Gladwin plant malfunction

The city is working closely with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), Great Lakes Water Operations LLC (GLWO), Fleis & VandenBrink (F&V), Alward Electric, the Central Michigan Health Department and other technical specialists.

CURRENT TREATMENT OPERATIONS

During Monday’s City Council meeting, EGLE representatives provided an objective overview of the wastewater treatment plant, the electrical failure, current treatment operations, sampling results and the steps being taken to restore the facility. The lightning-related electrical failure disabled the plant’s primary-treatment equipment. A temporary pumping system is now routing incoming wastewater around the disabled primary-treatment process and into the city’s approximately 6.4-acre aerated lagoon system.

The lagoon system continues to provide biological treatment and detention before the treated effluent is discharged. EGLE stated that it was not aware of any direct discharge of untreated raw sewage into the Cedar River. Because the primary-treatment stage is temporarily unavailable, the current operation is classified and reported as a partial-treatment bypass. This classification does not mean that raw sewage is being discharged directly into the river. It means that one stage of the city’s normal treatment process is temporarily unavailable while the lagoon system continues to provide treatment.

The lagoon system is performing well under the present conditions, according to the city. However, this is a temporary operating arrangement, and the city is working to restore the complete treatment process as quickly and safely as possible.

SAMPLING AND MONITORING

EGLE reported that the sampling results available at Monday’s meeting indicated that the lagoon system was continuing to meet the applicable permit limits.

The fecal coliform result was 144 colonies per 100 milliliters, below the applicable limit of 200. Total suspended solids were reported as very low, and the chlorine residual was below the regulated maximum. EGLE representatives also reported that the treated water appeared clear and was performing better than initially anticipated under the circumstances.

Some laboratory analyses require additional processing time and were not yet complete at the time of EGLE’s presentation. The city, EGLE, GLWO and the Health Department will continue reviewing sampling results as they become available.

Verified information will be provided through the city’s official communication channels.

ADDITIONAL DISINFECTION AND DECHLORINATION

On Tuesday, Aug. 18, city representatives participated in a coordination call with EGLE, Great Lakes Water Operations LLC and Fleis & VandenBrink. The group reviewed current treatment operations, additional disinfection measures, engineering needs and contingency plans.

The city is bringing in the chemicals and equipment needed to establish a controlled chlorination and dechlorination process. The city says it anticipates having the dechlorination system operational within the next week, barring unforeseen equipment, delivery or installation delays.

Chlorination and dechlorination are separate but complementary safeguards:

Chlorination disinfects wastewater by reducing disease-causing organisms, including fecal coliform bacteria such as E. coli. Dechlorination occurs after disinfection and removes excess chlorine before the treated water is discharged. Although chlorine is effective at reducing harmful organisms, excessive residual chlorine can harm fish and other aquatic life. The wastewater is first chlorinated to protect public health and then dechlorinated to protect the Cedar River and its aquatic environment. These measures will provide an additional level of treatment and control while the primary-treatment equipment is being restored, according to the city.

ENGINEERING AND ELECTRICAL RESTORATION

Fleis & VandenBrink, the city’s engineering consultant, is assisting with the technical restoration plan and coordinating with EGLE and GLWO. F&V is also evaluating contingency options so restoration work can continue if a particular motor, control component, cable or other piece of equipment is delayed or cannot be returned to service.

During Monday’s City Council meeting, Alward Electric provided an update on the electrical damage and ongoing repairs. The wastewater treatment plant remains a viable facility but sustained extensive damage to its electrical distribution and control systems.

Affected motors have been removed for inspections, drying, rebuilding and bearing replacement where appropriate. Damaged controls, breakers, cables, motor-controlled components and other electrical equipment are being repaired or replaced. According to the city, some necessary replacements have already been located and ordered.

Based on the information provided by Fleis & VandenBrink and Alward Electric, the primary-treatment system could be returned to service within two to three weeks. This remains an estimate and may change depending on equipment availability, installation requirements, testing and any additional conditions discovered during the repair process.

The electrical professionals and insurance representatives evaluating the incident have identified a lightning-related electrical event as the apparent cause of the failure. Separate cybersecurity reviews found no evidence that a cyberattack caused or contributed to the wastewater treatment plant failure.

COORDINATED PUBLIC-HEALTH COMMUNICATIONS

The city is maintaining contact with the Central Michigan District Health Department so the city and Health Department can coordinate public communications. The goal is for both organizations to release timely, consistent and verified information as sampling results and other relevant public-health information become available.

The city says this coordination will help ensure residents receive accurate information directly from the agencies involved in monitoring the response. If EGLE or the Health Department recommend any additional precautions, the city says it will communicate those recommendations promptly.

MOVING FORWARD

EGLE representatives stated during Monday’s Council meeting that the city has been responsive and has maintained regular contact with the agency. The city says it will continue working under EGLE’s oversight, monitoring the lagoon system, reviewing laboratory results and advancing repairs as quickly and safely as possible.

The city says it is encouraged by the performance of the lagoon system and the progress being made on repairs. Multiple layers of professional oversight, treatment, sampling and monitoring remain in place.

The city says it appreciates the community’s patience and the extensive work of EGLE, Great Lakes Water Operations LLC, Fleis & VandenBrink, Alward Electric, the Central Michigan District Health Department, city employees, contractors, emergency-management partners and neighboring communities assisting with this response.

Additional updates will be provided when verified information or significant repair milestones become available. Residents are encouraged to rely on official city, EGLE and Health Department communications for current information.

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Gladwin provides update on wastewater treatment plant

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