Key Dates

The Town of Mountain Village and the Town of Telluride held a work session with the San Miguel County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) on Wednesday, March 19, at approximately 1:45 p.m. to discuss the current wastewater treatment plant and the feasibility of an alternate site located in Down Valley.

Mountain Village and Telluride have shared ownership and management of the current wastewater treatment plant near Lawson Hill since 1985. In 2017, a wastewater master plan was completed to identify necessary improvements, estimate future capacity needs, and ensure the plant meets state water quality and effluent standards. The current site has little land expansion opportunity beyond its 2.5 acres of buildable land. 

Recent estimates for the total cost of upgrading the current plant have totaled over $133 million. Because these improvements would only increase capacity by 0.2 million gallons per day and meet regional needs only through 2047, the municipalities decided to explore alternative options.

In June 2024, the Town of Mountain Village put 5 acres of land under contract for $1.1 million. This land, owned by the Alexander Family, is located next to the CDOT/County shops along Highway 145 and is being considered as a site for a new regional wastewater treatment plant.

After conducting technical studies, officials have determined that the site is suitable for this purpose. There are approximately 3.7 acres of developable land on the parcel, it is flat and adjacent to both Highway 145 and San Miguel River without requiring bridge crossing. 

Current feasibility studies have shown that the future plant could accommodate the build-out of Mountain Village and Telluride and provide gravity-fed sewer to more neighborhoods in the east end of San Miguel County.

Selected in-kind replacement equipment for failing key parts in the existing WWTP headworks and finalizing contract for replacement in 2025.

Began assisting Mountain Village with the due diligence period on the purchase of a new 5-acre lot in the Illium area for the potential development of a regional wastewater treatment facility.

Preparing a Source Control Plan and enforcing local municipal codes to reduce nonacceptable wastes to the TRWWTP.

Kick-off meeting with selected Engineering team for support in making small and redundant improvements at the existing TRWWTP to increase lifespan while regional planning continues.

Canceled Design Build contract after careful review of 30% cost models determining that the expansion of the liquid treatment process at the TRWWTP was over budget knowing that future expansion with today’s technology could not be accomplished on existing site.

Completed a review of the 30% engineered design package of the plans and specifications of the TRWWTP upgrades project with the Design Build team.

Initial design renderings developed followed by coordination with sub-consultants leading to advanced design concepts and process model.

The Town of Telluride Public Works and Wastewater Treatment Plant Team held recurring internal and external progress meetings which continue today to monitor impacts on and capacity of the TRWWTP.