County says Milner wastewater noise levels have improved; manufacturer to inspect as plant work continues

Routt County staff told commissioners that steps taken at the Milner Wastewater Treatment Plant lowered noise levels to below state standards, and that a manufacturer field representative will visit this week to inspect and recommend additional fixes.

County staff said last week they relocated an air intake and added sound buffering and hooding for mufflers, which “dramatically” reduced decibel levels compared with prior readings, though staff emphasized work remains to further reduce noise. The county manager said the manufacturer’s field representative will be on site to review the plant and recommend additional changes.

Commissioners also received operational updates for Milner and the Phippsburg (Peaburg/Peaburg spelled variably) plant: county staff reported plans to reinstall pumps at the Milner site on Oct. 13, pending resolution of electrical issues. Biosolids removal was described as ongoing, with liquid biosolids transported to the Steamboat Wastewater Treatment Plant and sludges/drums currently going to the landfill where they are composted as cover material for reclamation. Staff said the county has investigated land‑application options but that hauling to the landfill and composting had been the chosen path for now.

On environmental testing, the county said landfill partners are conducting PFAS testing on composted biosolids and that initial results have been either non‑detect or at very low levels; staff noted monitoring and reporting requirements are evolving.

Why it matters: Neighbors had raised noise concerns about the new treatment equipment; lowering decibel levels and having the manufacturer intervene were described as steps toward resolving operational and community concerns. Plant reliability items — pump reinstallation, electrical fixes and biosolids handling — affect wastewater service continuity.

What’s next: County staff said they will continue manufacturer‑led inspections, pursue further sound attenuation work, and bring updates to commissioners as remaining punch‑list items are completed. The transcript does not record any formal votes on the plant work.