CASCADE — The town of Cascade has been approved for two State Revolving Fund loans worth $614,600 to modernize its wastewater collection system.
The Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation said in a news release that since the early 2000s, the town has experienced ongoing issues with its aging collection system, comprised of original clay tile pipes installed in the 1940s.
Between 2011 and 2019, the system required 17 emergency cleaning actions due to plugged lines; the emergency cleanings led to several sewer overflows into streets and rights-of-ways, along with some residences.
Following an engineering analysis, the town has opted to replace approximately 2,450 feet of clay sewer pipe. Additional upgrades will include new generators for two lift stations, and rehabilitation of 350 feet of existing sewer lines using cured-in-place pipe.
To finance the improvements, Cascade will borrow $461,000 from the State Revolving Fund at 2.5% interest for 20 years. The town will also receive a second SRF loan for $153,600 that will be forgiven if certain conditions are met.
Hard Rock Construction of Helena been awarded the contract for the project. The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will oversee implementation of the project while DNRC administers the loan.
