Belgrade Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements

Belgrade to Kick-Off Decommissioning of Former Lagoons

After more than 20 years of accumulating sludge, our lagoons, have reached the end of their useful life. With Phase 1 of our new, modernized wastewater treatment plant operational, we are progressing to the next phase of improvements - work that has been planned for years and is not a reflection of recent growth. Decommissioning the lagoons will lead to cleaner water, fresher air, and a more advanced system.

Here are 5 Things you should know about the project!

- Phased Improvement, Part of Larger Vision

Temporary odors are expected as the City begins sludge removal - part of a long-planned step toward modernizing the treatment facility. Decommissioning the lagoons will lead to cleaner water, fresher air, and a more advanced system.

- The Lagoons Are Still In Use

The lagoons still store treated wastewater, act as emergency backup, and support the final steps in the wastewater treatment upgrade while improvements are made to other areas of the facility.

- Odors Are Not Harmful, Just Unpleasant

The smell comes from hydrogen sulfide - the same gas behind the “rotten egg” smell. It is not dangerous to breathe at the levels observed.

- Will The Odors Go Away?

Once the work is complete, odors should be significantly reduced. Occasional maintenance may cause brief odors, but these should be infrequent and short-lived.

- Next Steps

Decommissioning starts in mid to late summer 2025, wrapping up by year’s end. You may notice stronger odors during this time, but we’ll take steps to minimize them.

Project Contact

For additional questions, please get in touch with Belgrade Public Works by email at publicworks@belgrademt.gov or via phone at 406-388-3566