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Committee discusses wastewater approach; members favor closed collection systems for some areas
Summary
Committee members reviewed the master plan’s wastewater section and discussed sewer options, with several members expressing support for closed (vacuum or pressurized) collection systems in parts of the parish, citing lower long‑term costs and better performance in flood conditions.
At the Livingston Parish Master Plan Committee meeting (date not specified), members flagged page 60 of the updated master plan and discussed wastewater infrastructure needs and collection system options for parts of the parish.
Committee member Gerald asked that wastewater be added to the next meeting agenda. Several members said a parish‑level wastewater master plan is recommended by the updated master plan and that certain areas currently need sewer collection lines immediately.
Members debated closed collection systems (vacuum or pressurized) versus traditional gravity systems with lift stations. One committee member who described prior work at an engineering firm said closed systems can be cheaper long term because they prevent stormwater inflow and reduce the volume treated at centralized plants. That member cited the city of Biloxi as an example where a pump‑based system allowed a faster recovery after flooding and kept the system operational as power returned.
Why it matters: sewer system design affects treatment plant sizing, environmental outcomes and the parish’s exposure to state or federal sanctions related to wastewater discharges. The committee noted that closed systems reduce stormwater infiltration that can overwhelm gravity systems and increase plant loads.
Committee members also discussed practical considerations: vendor and parts inventories, specification of check valves and other components, the need for design standards, ownership and maintenance responsibilities for in‑home or on‑lot equipment, and potential ordinance changes to define municipal and owner obligations. One speaker noted modern pumps are variable‑speed and can be integrated with alarms to notify homeowners of faults.
Ending: No formal vote was taken. Gerald said he will add 2025 capital outlay (House Bill 2) and wastewater to the next agenda and provide a written breakout of state capital outlay receipts to the committee. Staff and the infrastructure committee are expected to coordinate next steps and identify funding and design proposals for a parish wastewater master plan.
