Ruralite - October 2003
A newsletter for customers of Klickitat PUD

Wishram Wastewater Treatment Plant Nearing Final Completion
The new Wishram wastewater treatment facility is nearing final completion, with 90 percent of the punch-list items completed in June. A letter of final completion on the project is expected soon. A Department of Ecology Centennial Grant funds 60 percent of this project, with the other 40 percent funded by a 20-year, zero interest DOE State Revolving Fund Loan.

Klickitat Board Reviews Amendment to the Klickitat Wastewater Facility Plan
Klickitat PUD is reluctant to proceed with construction on the Klickitat wastewater plant and collection system unless the project is fully funded through grants, which it is not at this time. The engineering firm of Gray & Osborne has been directed to prepare an amendment to the Klickitat Wastewater Facility Plan that will allow KPUD to pursue other options. The plan is currently under review by the KPUD Board of Commissioners.

KPUD Requests Additional CDBG Funds for Klickitat
In relation to pursuing other options for the Klickitat wastewater facility, a letter from the KPUD Board of Commissioners was sent on August 12, 2003 to the Department of Trade and Economic Development requesting an increase to KPUD's existing $24,000 Community Development Block Grant. KPUD is requesting an additional $37,138, which, if approved, would help pay for preparation of a new scope of work for the Klickitat WWTP Project. We are currently awaiting reply from CDBG. Grants from U.S. Forest Service, Community Trade and Economic Development, as well as a Community Development Block Grant, funded the planning portion of this project.

Glenwood Wastewater Treatment Plant Jurisdiction Undecided
Federal vs. State jurisdictional issues remain unclear for KPUD's Glenwood Wastewater Treatment Plant, located in the disputed Tract-D area in Klickitat County. KPUD is working to obtain a written statement clarifying whether the Washington State Department of Ecology or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has jurisdiction over this area in regard to regulatory and permitting issues. On August 14th Water/WW Manager Lorraine Reynolds wrote a letter to Mr. Chris Cora of the Environmental Protection Agency outlining KPUD's plans for the Glenwood Wastewater System. Lorraine insisted on a letter from the regulatory agency that will be partnering with KPUD on the project, before KPUD proceeds with any planned improvements to the facility. She also requested a clear, written explanation on the jurisdictional situation. We are currently awaiting reply.

Customer Meetings Held
KPUD has met with the communities of Glenwood, Klickitat, Lyle, Wishram, and Rimrock regarding recent water and sewer rate increases. Meetings with Ponderosa and Roosevelt will take place in the near future. Every effort is being made to improve communication with our customers with customer meetings, the Water Lines newsletter and customer mailings. We encourage customer input and suggestions.

Please let us know how we can improve our communication with YOU…. the customer.

Reduce Crime and Costs in Your Community
KPUD encourages customers to take an active role in their community. You can keep water/ww costs down by keeping a close eye on your water and wastewater facilities. Starting a Neighborhood Watch Program would enlist the active participation of residents, KPUD and law enforcement to help prevent costly vandalism to your water and wastewater systems, and prevent other crime as well. Members of such a program learn how to make their homes more secure, watch out for each other and report activities that raise their suspicions to the police department. Once members learn to be more aware of what is going on in their area, not only can they help prevent crime, they can help reduce water/ww costs by notifying the PUD of water/ww facility vandalism, reservoir problems, water main leaks, etc. Simple organization and enhanced awareness are the keys to reducing crime and costs in your community!

Did You Know Your Water and Wastewater Systems are… Self-Supporting?
Many customers are unaware that all costs associated with each water and wastewater system are funded exclusively from rates paid by the customers on that system. The number of customers in each system impacts the individual amounts paid. More customers = Lower individual amounts paid per customer.

System	Sewer	Water
Glenwood	91	206
Klickitat	169	181
Lyle	246	283
Ponderosa/RC		131
Rimrock		23
Roosevelt	29	27
Wishram	165	198