AIRWAY HEIGHTS – The City Council addressed growing concerns over its sewer pretreatment ordinance during a Jan. 13 meeting.
The ordinance, intended to regulate what businesses discharge into the public sewer system, drew criticism from businessowners who say it imposes unrealistic standards.
City Manager Albert Tripp said the ordinance includes pretreatment rules are necessary.
“The rules were implemented to offset costs for residents and ensure compliance with state regulations,” Tripp said.
John Bryan, owner of a local brewery, argued that the biochemical oxygen demand limits are unattainable for breweries.
“The standard of 300 is impossible for us to meet,” Bryan said. “Even the best breweries in the country can’t achieve numbers under 2,000.
“If this ordinance stands as is, we’ll have to relocate to another state.”
Bryan requested a delay in surcharges while he researches a solution.
He pointed out the brewery’s local contributions, noting that 40% of its production is in Airway Heights.
Council Chairman Larry Bowman acknowledged the importance of balancing business needs with environmental compliance.
“We don’t want to scare off businesses,” Bowman said. “Airway Heights is committed to being a destination city. There’s a solution we can find here that works for everyone.”
The council plans to revisit the ordinance during upcoming sessions.
Bowman also expressed interest in helping fund the research.
Clare is an Eastern Washington University graduate and a reporter at Free Press Publishing.
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