Wastewater Treatment
For wastewater treatment forms, please visit our forms page.
The City of Helena's Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) uses a biological nutrient removal (BNR) process to treat over 1 billion gallons of wastewater each year.
Wastewater includes everything that goes down the drain. Such as showers, bath water, toilets, sinks, washing machines, dishwashers, discharge from local industrial cooling systems, cleaning projects, and some chemical processes. Over 178 miles of sanitary sewer pipes, 3470 manholes, and 7 lift stations throughout the City of Helena collect and transport the wastewater to the WWTF for treatment. The treated wastewater is discharged into Prickly Pear Creek which flows into Lake Helena and eventually to the Missouri River.
If you would like to learn more about the wastewater treatment process feel free to contact us at (406) 457-8558.
Notice of Publication of Categorical Exclusion
The City of Helena will replace an existing failed pump station located between the two existing primary clarifiers and the additional underground piping between the pump station and main control building at the Wastewater Treatment Facility. The pump station is used to transport scum and floatable material from clarifiers at the facility.
Click Here to View Full Notification(PDF, 2MB)
Industrial Pretreatment Program
The City of Helena has an approved Industrial Pretreatment program that is regulated by the EPA and used to maintain compliance with the Wastewater Treatment Facility's discharge permit requirements. This program facilitates compliance by reducing heavy metals and other harmful contaminants from entering the WWTF.
The Wastewater Treatment Facility continues to accept hauled septic waste as a valuable community service. Licensed Septic haulers are required to complete a Manifest Form (please see our forms page). for every load dumped at the designated dumping station.
If you are discharging anything other than normal household waste into the sanitary sewer you must fill out an Industrial User's Application (please see our forms page).
Resources
Wastewater 101
FOG Program Brochure
Proper disposal of fats, oils and grease protects your business, public health and the environment. It’s the law, and it’s the right thing to do.
Click Here to View FOG Program Brochure(PDF, 3MB)