Wastewater

Gladstone entered into the wastewater business in 1917 when specifications for a treatment plant and 4,900 feet of sewer main were sent out for bids. Some of the sewer main remains today, however the original plant is gone. The plant and the collection system have seen a number of major improvements and expansions over its lifetime.

On March 4, 1974 the first federally funded municipal wastewater treatment plant utilizing Rotating Biological Contractors (RBC) was placed into operation in Gladstone, at a  cost of $1,037,500 (EPA provided 50% of the total, with the state and city each paying half of the remainder). The RBC plant provides treatment today with excellent results. The plant is designed to treat one million gallons of wastewater per day.

Today the collection system has grown to over 30 miles, stretching to the city limits in all directions and parts of Rapid River.

Technical updates insure the plant continues to meet water quality standards and the water of Little Bay de Noc will remain clean well into the future.