District Updates:
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Read the PLSD Summer 2022 Update!
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PLSD now offers automatic payment - complete your enrollment form now!
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Please update the office with any changes in contact information, including change in ownership by completing a profile form.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Pickerel Lake Sanitary District Wastewater Improvements Project
The Pickerel Lake Sanitary District is seeking an additional $1,300,000 for a total of $4,263,000 of funding from the Board of Agriculture and Natural Resources for replacement and rehabilitation of 13 main lift stations and expanding the current wastewater system. The funds could be either a grant from the state Consolidated Water Facilities Construction Program or a loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) Program. The Clean Water SRF loan terms are 2.125% for 30 years, and the Board of Agriculture and Natural Resources may forgive all or a portion of loan principal. The amount, source of funds, and terms will be determined by the Board of Agriculture and Natural Resources when the application is presented at a scheduled board meeting. The purpose of the public hearing is to discuss the proposed project, the proposed financing, and the source of repayment for the loan. The public is invited to attend and comment on the project.
The public hearing will be held at the Pickerel Lake Sanitary District Office at 2908 Peabody Ave, Grenville, SD on October 14, 2022, at 4:00 pm.
PLSD Conducted Smoke Test
PLSD completed a smoke test on the sanitary sewer system in phases in August and September. The South Dakota Association of Rural Water Systems assisted with the test which checked for ground water infiltration into the sewer lines. Infiltration can overload the system during heavy rains. The smoke is a special non-toxic material which will not cause health problems or damage property.
If your property experienced any issues, you were notified by PLSD as to the nature of the issue. It is important that you make any necessary repairs on your property to ensure your cabin is safe and free of any sewer gas. PLSD asked you to complete the necessary repairs by September 30th and notify us when they have been completed. You can notify manager Justin Carlson by phone (605-467-1503) or email (justin@plsdistrict.org).
PLSD Moves Ahead With System Upgrades
During DANR’s April meeting, PLSD was offered an initial grant/loan package totaling $2,963,000 with a ratio of 72% grant ($2,158,000) and 28% loan ($805,000). The loan package is at a rate of 2.125% over 30 years. PLSD is working with Northeast Council of Governments (NECOG) and Helms Engineering to take the next steps necessary to initiate the first phase of the project that includes upgrading the system. Surveyors have completed work at the lake to provide necessary information Helms will use to prepare the bid package for the project. To publish the bid notice and secure bids before the next quarterly DANR Water Board meeting scheduled for September, PLSD will issue the bid notice in its official newspaper, The Reporter & Farmer, the weeks of August 22nd and 29th. The Board will open the bids with Helms Engineering at the office on September 7th to determine what additional funds will be applied for with the supplemental funding request. PLSD will work expeditiously with Helms and NECOG to submit the necessary application paperwork to meet the DANR September 9th deadline.
UPDATE: (10/3/2022)
DANR met on September 29th to award additional funding for water and wastewater projects throughout the state. DANR awarded PLSD additional project funding in the amount of $1,300,000 in the form of a State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan at a rate of 2.125% over 30 years. PLSD will consider the funding offer during their October 14th trustee meeting.
UPDATE: (9/12/2022)
Helms Engineering conducted the project bid opening on September 7th and as a result of higher than estimated project costs, PLSD submitted a supplemental funding request in the amount of $1,300,00 to the DANR. DANR meets again on September 29th to announce additional funding awards.
PLSD 2022 Trustee Election Cancelled
NOTICE OF ELECTION CANCELLATION:
The election for Pickerel Lake Sanitary District Trustee, previously scheduled for Tuesday, November 1, 2022, is hereby cancelled. The District did not receive multiple candidate petitions prior to the filing deadline.
Kim Remily, interim trustee, submitted a nominating petition for the three-year term beginning November 2022; therefore, he will serve the coming term. Congratulation, Kim!
PLSD Pleads: Don't Flush Wipes!
Disposable wipes have been causing problems in communities around the country and Pickerel Lake is no different. Wipes - used for changing diapers, personal hygiene, housecleaning, and more - cause major problems when flushed down toilets. Though many of these products are labeled “flushable” or “septic safe,” they are anything but. The same goes for facial tissues, baby wipes, paper towels and other products. Because they don’t break down the way toilet paper does, disposable wipes clog pipes. Wipes snag on any imperfection in sewer pipes, catch passing debris and grease, and create a “ball” that will grow to plug the pipe. They also get drawn into pumps and lift stations and clog them, causing significant damage. PLSD asks that if residents do use wipes, please put them in the trash. Don’t flush them!
PLSD Reminds You to Provide Access
As we continue to make improvements, PLSD reminds all cabin owners that you must maintain your property free of encroachments on system components such as manholes, lift stations, and clean out accesses. Cabin owners provided an easement to PLSD when the system was constructed years ago that grants access to the property to work on the sewer system. Examples of obstruction include landscaping, fences, arbors, lamp posts, signs, swing sets, sidewalks, retaining walls, garages, out buildings, etc. When necessary, PLSD will remove any encroachments to gain access, as needed, at the cabin owner’s expense.
2023 Budget Approved
UPDATE: The Board met 1/26/2023 to discuss basic user rates and the DANR required SRF loan surcharge. As a result, basic user rates were reduced to absorb some of the new surcharge. Since the rates were adjusted, the previously approved 2023 budget required an amendment.
The Board reviewed the proposed 2023 budget during the August meeting and voted to approve the budget as presented. The 2023 budget reflects operating and reserve income based on 2022 rates. For more details, view the budget here.
Pump Run Times Available
As part of routine maintenance, PLSD tracks pump run times at all 13 lift stations on a weekly basis. To establish base lines and analyze usage, the Board created a summary of pump usage for 2017-2022 using a series of line charts. These charts will be updated quarterly and updated on the website for users to view. The charts (updated 12/31/2022) and a map of lift stations will be maintained under the Rates and Fees section under the About Us tab.