Branson aldermen have given initial approval to four bills relating to the city’s participation in the Tri-Lakes Biosolids Coalition, an intergovernmental partnership that also includes Branson West, Hollister, Kimberling City, Forsyth and Taney County.

Branson Utilities Director Mike Ray went over the cooperation agreement for a regional biosolids dewatering and drying facility. …

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Ray said Branson’s estimated cost in participating in the coalition during the first year is 357-thousand dollars, plus a one-time deposit of 89-thousand dollars.

Officials say the result of the dewatering and drying process is a dry product that can be safely used in a variety of ways, with greatly-improved protection of water quality when compared to the current land application process.