The Bristol Bay Borough is working on one of the few projects in the state’s capital budget this year — an upgrade to the sewer system in Naknek.
The borough received almost $500,000 from the state for the project this fiscal year, which started in July. It was one of just four projects funded by the Department of Environmental Conservation’s grant program this year.
Kevin Schoneman is the borough’s wastewater and water supervisor.
“I’ve been told it should be in the neighborhood of $3.8 million dollars, and we were one of four projects funded in the state for this budget cycle,” Schoneman says.
The project includes a new lift station at Peter Pan. Sewage is raised and pumped through the system at lift stations.
Peter Pan is in the same area as several other canneries, and Schoneman says use of the wastewater system in the area has increased in recent years. During a two-and-a-half day period in early July, the lift turned on 160 times and operated for about 11 hours total.
The upgrade will allow for future expansions at processing facilities in the area.
“It will ensure that this area can grow for many, many, many years,” he says.
Schoneman says processors and residents shouldn’t notice the work while it’s underway.
“That’s been a challenge with the engineering is making sure we don’t interrupt anybody’s service during the time we’re constructing,” he says.
Engineering and planning for the upgrade has been underway for several years and is planned to be complete by the end of next summer.
