Category Archives: Utilities

Calumet conducting maintenance with flaring this week

Calumet Montana is conducting maintenance activity at the facility this week. This activity requires additional intermittent controlled flaring, which can result in more visible flames from the flares and noise, according to Calumet. “These flares are essential safety devices in refinery operations and are subject to strict regulatory controls,” according to a Calumet release. Community members with questions or concerns

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City continuing preparation for new EPA rules

The city is continuing their effort to prepare for new federal regulations pertaining to lead levels in public drinking water that are set to go into effect October 2024. The rules will lower the amount of detectable lead in the water that triggers treatment actions and data reporting, with the potential for significant cost to the City of Great Falls. The new

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City approves TIF funds for downtown storm water project

City Commissioners unanimously approved $18,000 in downtown increment financing funds during their May 16 meeting for a downtown storm water drainage improvement project. The Great Falls Public Works Department has received multiple requests from business owners on the 400 block of Central Avenue to address increased flooding into their businesses due to an increased number of flash flooding events, according

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City utility department hours changing for summer staff meetings

The City of Great Falls utilities department is typically closed the first Thursday of the month until 10:15 a.m. for a staff meeting and departmental training. For June and August 2023, the meeting and training schedule has been modified. On June 1, the utilities pay window and customer service will be open until 9:45 am. Then, the office will close

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Permit approved for Belt water treatment plant

The Cascade County zoning board of adjustment approved a special use permit for the Belt Water Treatment Plant during their May 18 meeting. The plant is designed to remove metals, primarily iron and aluminum, from mine-impacted water through chemical precipitation processes, commonly known as the high-density sludge process, according to Drew Herrera, of HGL, the engineering team on the project.

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City Commission approves increased utility fees

City Commissioners voted unanimously during their May 16 meeting to approve fee increases for water, sewer and storm drain utilities. The new rates go into effect June 1. No members of the public spoke in opposition to the rate increase. Staff annually reviews and analyzes the utility funds. City proposing utility increases The city adjusts utility rates to “provide adequate

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City considering TIF funds for downtown drainage project

During their May 16 meeting, City Commissioners will consider a request to use up to $18,000 of downtown tax increment financing funds for a downtown storm water drainage improvement project. The Great Falls Public Works Department has received multiple requests from business owners on the 400 block of Central Avenue to address increased flooding into their businesses due to an

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Montana Renewables begins delivering sustainable aviation fuel

Montana Renewables has begun delivering sustainable aviation fuel to Shell under a multi-year agreement. The Great Falls company, at the Calumet refinery, is currently the largest sustainable aviation fuel produced in North America, according to the company. Shell and its affiliates are expanding and building supply chain capabilities to blend and distribute SAF throughout the U.S., increasing access to the

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