The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community has constructed a sanitary Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) on trust lands to treat wastewater from residences and Community enterprises located south of County Road 42. This facility, which collects and treats all of the wastewater from the Sioux Trail Water System, became operational August 18, 2006. "Having our own water reclamation facility increases sovereignty, facilitates future planning, and decreases dependence on other jurisdictions," said SMSC Chairman Stanley R. Crooks.

The facility utilizes BAF (Biologically Aerated Filtration) technology, a continuous flow process developed in Europe where land is at a premium and water quality standards are very high. The facility has no odor or noise evident outside of the building and very high quality treatment. From 1989 through 2006 the SMSC used a sewer system connected to the Metropolitan Council's Blue Lake Treatment Plant in Shakopee, which discharges effluent into the Minnesota River.

The Water Reclamation Facility provides preliminary treatment through the use of screens and a vortex grit removal system. The facility also provides primary and secondary treatment, disinfection, and biosolid treatment and disposal. Control of the WRF is provided by a computer-based system which provides control and monitoring of all equipment. The support facilities for the plant include a standby power generator and laboratory services to perform the testing required, assuring proper operation of the facility.

The WRF produces biosolids using a drying process that is the first of its kind in the United States. The process converts the biosolids beyond the typical sludge stage to a product more than 92 percent solid which can be used for compost or fertilizer. Equipment removes the water from the sludge in several processes including a belt press and then dries it in a large oven. The drying process, which takes 30-32 hours, also sterilizes the biosolids, which are then poured into large bags for storage and transport. The SMSC plans to use these biosolids for landscaping on SMSC flowerbeds and agricultural lands in addition to The Meadows at Mystic Lake Golf Course. The biosolids may also provide a future fuel source in a waste-to-energy recovery facility. The first run of the biosolids operation was December 12, 2006, which yielded 1,705 pounds of dried solids. The WRF presses biosolids every other week for five days at a time.

The WRF discharges effluent (treated water flowing out of a facility) through wetlands within the Community before flowing into a large irrigation pond at the golf course. Upon discharge the effluent travels underground to the wetlands west of Dakotah Meadows RV Park and Campground. Rigorous standards for water quality were met before initial discharge.

The WRF has shown excellent results in the short time it has been open. Monthly testing data show that the effluent is extremely clean. The effluent meets all parameters well under the limits set by the EPA. The water being discharged is free from pathogenic bacteria or e-coli. Typically these are found in effluent, but because of the superior treatment methods in place at the SMSC WRF, all of these are being eliminated.

The unique characteristics of the WRF are the direct result of the Community's dedication to protecting and preserving the environment. The WRF also contains a 31,000 square foot green roof, the largest in the Upper Midwest. Construction on the facility began in February 2005 and took 18 months to complete on an expedited schedule. Principal designer was Bolton & Menk, Inc., Environmental Services Division, Mankato, Minnesota. Architect Plus of Faribault, Minnesota, designed the building. General contractor was Rice
Lake Construction Group, Deerwood, Minnesota.