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Commission approves engineering task releases for septic feasibility study and plan reviews
Summary
The board approved task releases with Hofstadter and Associates to study septic/sewage options and to provide civil plan review capacity while the county fills engineering staff vacancies; staff cited available federal EPA funds as part of the study.
The Bulloch County Board of Commissioners approved two task releases with Hofstadter and Associates on May 20: one to prepare a feasibility analysis of septage and sewage options for the county and another to provide cursory civil engineering plan reviews while county engineering staff are being recruited.
Planning and development director James Pope said the septic/sewage task release follows a consultation prompted by resident concerns over septage disposal and pumpers’ limited capacity after recent heavy rains. The scope includes an analysis of options and a feasibility report; the work will also assess a $4,000,000 EPA funding allocation the county has available to support wastewater infrastructure and identify ways to use those funds before they expire.
The board approved task release number 1 for a lump sum budget of $18,000 to perform the septic/sewage feasibility analysis. The board also approved task release number 2 to purchase plan‑review capacity from Hofstadter and Associates at $750 per review, not to exceed $27,000 for an estimated 36 plan reviews over 12 months; that work is intended to backfill diminished in‑house engineering capacity after recent staff turnover.
Planning staff said the county added a fee line in the proposed budget to cover plan‑review fees going forward, and that the task releases will be budget‑neutral after the line item is implemented. Commissioners approved both task releases unanimously and directed staff to begin the work and report back with findings and options.
The feasibility study will examine multiple approaches for septage and wastewater handling, including potential collection, treatment and disposal options, cost estimates, funding scenarios and timelines. County staff said they will form a small steering group to meet with the consultant and that the outcome will guide use of the EPA funds and future capital planning.
