The Flathead County Commission on Tuesday approved the contract that begins the planning phase for a regional septic waste plant and biosolids composting facility.

The commission unanimously approved a nearly $700,000 agreement with HDR Engineering of Billings to carry out a multiphase project to plan and design the facility. Last week the commissioners tabled the decision saying they needed more time to review the contract.

Commissioner Pam Holmquist on Tuesday said questions regarding the contract have been answered and commissioners were ready to move forward, while noting the project is just getting started.

“This project is in its first stages,” she said. “We welcome anyone with interest to get involved and attend meetings as we move forward. This will be great for the community once we get there.”

With the recent growth in the valley, managing septic waste has become an increasingly pressing issue.

Work under the contract is expected to be completed by Dec. 31 and take into account 20- and 40-year growth projections for the county.

Under the contract, HDR would look at site selection, hold stakeholder and public meetings, create a final design and estimated cost for the project to construct the facilities.

The septage plant is expected to be capable of processing 5 million gallons of waste and effluent annually for the county.

While the composting facility for biosolids, the byproduct of sewage treatment, would service the septage plant, Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls and have the potential to serve other neighboring communities.

In a related matter, the commission also approved an American Rescue Plan Act grant management plan for money for the planned facility. The county received $2 million in ARPA funds through the state Department of Natural Resources and Conservation to use toward the project.

The county will have to provide a one-to-one dollar match for the amount of grant funds used for the project.

Features editor Heidi Desch may be reached at 758-4421 or [email protected].