Stormwater project nears completion

An updated stormwater system on Grand Drive got one step closure to completion last week as a public meeting was held to gather input on this stage of the project.

48 North Civil Engineering Services is nearing completion on design for the this portion of the project. The Bigfork Stormwater Advisory Committee hosted a public meeting June 7 to collect public comment prior to finalizing construction engineering for Grand Drive.

The engineers said their priorities are to deal with water conveyance and water quality issues. Based on weather patterns in the area, any new stormwater system needs to reflect the nature of the fact that it rains in small amounts very frequently. Larger storms have a much smaller chance of happening, said Jim Williamson of 48 North. The size of any facility for stormwater retention or treatment needs to handle the storms that would be most frequent, he said.

The engineers have identified areas where runoff can be controlled by smaller units and where it would need a larger system to act as a second line of defense. The Grand Drive project will involve replacing conveyance lines and inlets directing stormwater to a treatment area. The treatment systems will include a hydrodynamic separator and cartridge facility. These systems will be underground on Lake Avenue, which is more commonly recognized as the parking lot next to the Grand Hotel and directly across from the public dock on Bigfork Bay. That way that parking area will still be available. Smaller and compact Filterra units that are designed to filter runoff and support vegetation would be used in other areas along Grand.

"We expect to really impact the water quality that is going into the bay right now," Williamson said.

Bill Myers of Bayside Park and Marine Center L.L.C. continued to express concerns about recent flooding and seeps on his property that have cropped up in the past two years. Myers has said the stormwater system that was installed at the Bigfork schools in 2008 and 2009 might be one possible source that could be redirecting water downhill to his property.

"They have not been willing to address the impact of the school 'stormwater) system drain field on my property," Myers said at the meeting.

Brett Walcheck, president of 48 North, said they recently installed a monitoring well to check to see if water is coming down from the school system.

"As of today, we're not getting any readings," he said. "We've heard his concerns. … We are still trying to figure things out."

CONSTRUCTION

According to the tentative work plan, final design work is anticipated to be completed by July 1. After completing the design, the project will be submitted for bids. Construction then could start as early as August, but committee members have said that based on the nature of business in Bigfork they would not choose to begin until this fall.

"We are making every effort not to interfere with business downtown," BSAC chair Sue Hanson said.

Patrick Jones of Bay Books & Prints said that one of his key months for business is August.

"I'm very glad at this point you've agreed not to start until after Labor Day," Jones said. "I'll hold you to that."

Williamson said there will be some impact on businesses with road closures and heavy equipment at times.

"[Construction] will impact the community," Williamson said. "The good part is that we are aware of the nature of Bigfork. We don't want to impact it any more than possible."

Nancy O'Kelly, who owns Nancy O's Design on Grand, encouraged the committee to make an effort to contact business owners on Grand so that they can be a part of the discussion.

"It's very important as this goes on that people are mindful of businesses on Grand," O'Kelly said.

FUNDING

Overall, the project has garnered a little over $1.2 million through grants, but, county grant writer Debbie Pierson said, that doesn't mean the county will actually have access to all of those funds. Some of those grants require matching funds or are strictly earmarked for certain aspects of the project and will be based on construction costs.

"To date, we haven't had to go back to the taxpayer," Pierson said. "That is coming, however. That will be part of the funding strategy in the future."

Committee members have discussed the possibility of a Rural Special Improvement District at prior meetings to help with needed funds for construction or maintenance, but have determined that the subject can't even be broached until probably fall 2011 when they have more information and engineering on later legs of the project.

The full Bigfork Stormwater Project, which focuses primarily on the downtown portion of Bigfork, is anticipated to be at least a three-year project. Other phases will include work on River Street, Bridge Street North and Bridge Street South.

COMMENTS

Frequently asked questions on the project will soon be posted on the committee's website at www.bigforksteering.org/bigfork-stormwater-advisory.html.

Written comment is still being accepted and can be e-mailed to btrfly@montanasky.net or mailed to 220 Swan River Road, Bigfork, MT 59911.

The committee encourages any additional written comments to be submitted by June 30, the date of BSAC's next regular meeting.