Lagoons an Issue Between Sioux Falls, Brandon

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Sioux Falls is urging Brandon to rethink plans for building new sewage treatment lagoons.

Sioux Falls officials say the lagoons would be too close to the Sioux Falls growth area, and could hurt water quality in the Big Sioux River. They want Brandon to continue to send waste to the Sioux Falls treatment facility, which has plenty of capacity.

Brandon's 20-year contract with Sioux Falls expires this month. Brandon officials tell the Argus Leader that having their own system will save money. Sioux Falls officials question that assumption.

One potential hurdle for Brandon is that the area is dotted with Native American burial sites. Augustana College plans an archaeological study. If any human remains are found, it would rule out the property as a lagoon site.

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