Pueblo wastewater tax could go up to protect environment

If you live in Pueblo, you might see a rate hike on your wastewater bill. Officials say it’s to help save the environment.

The city’s wastewater department met with Pueblo City Council Monday night.

The Environmental Protection Agency and the state health department say Pueblo has too much selenium in the water, specifically in the Arkansas River.

Pueblo Wastewater Department Director Gene Michael said the the selenium in the water is averaging 14 parts per billion, with the standard being 4.6.

Michael said selenium is naturally in the water and is essential for people, but too much can be harmful for animals and birds.

In order to meet the standard, Michael said projects will have to be made to filter it, which could cost between $30 million to $90 million and will come out of the taxpayers’ pockets

“The reason why the state and EPA want to do it is because we have an aquatic life assigned to the Arkansas River. They want to protect it,” he said.

The wastewater department is spearheading a demonstration project to find a solution. It should be finished by the end of the year.