New LDF Wastewater Plant Projected To Be Completed By End Of Year

A state-of-the-art waste water treatment system is likely to be on line by the end of the year for residents in Lac du Flambeau. The Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians Tribal Council announced construction on its new waste water treatment system is underway and will exceed new, stricter regulatory requirements. The system eliminates the need for any surface discharge, which will keep the facility in compliance with new regulatory requirements regarding phosphorous. Federal officials report the existing lagoon wastewater system has met environmental protection standards but the standards are becoming tougher. Tribal officials report the new wastewater treatment system goes beyond what’s required by new regulations. Tribal Natural Resources Director Larry Wawronowicz says the new system is part of the tribe's values to preserve the environment... "A project that the tribe identified as being important. They got the players involved to try to make this happen, got the funding secured. I believe it's a very good accomplishment for the tribe moving forward in terms of natural resource protection...." Wawronowicz says people are interested in what’s been accomplished related to the wastewater lagoon. He says they welcome their input in working with the tribe to keep the water healthy. Re-lining of lagoon cell 2 completion is estimated to be Sept. 1. In 2018, federal agencies provided more than $5.3 million in loans and grants to build the new facility, according to what USDA Rural Development Director for Wisconsin Frank Frassetto told WXPR at that time.