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Northern Nevada commission recommends $160,000 for Raftelis study of regional wastewater options
Summary
The Northern Nevada Water Planning Commission voted to recommend that the Western Regional Water Commission approve up to $160,000 to fund Raftelis to conduct phase 1A of a feasibility study into regional planning and management of wastewater utilities and effluent disposal.
The Northern Nevada Water Planning Commission on March 5 recommended that the Western Regional Water Commission approve a scope of work and funding not to exceed $160,000 for Raftelis to perform phase 1A of a feasibility study on regional planning and management of wastewater utilities and effluent disposal.
The recommendation came after staff outlined the project background and Raftelis representatives described the firm’s proposed approach. Kim Rigdon, program manager for the commission staff, said the Western Regional Water Commission had earlier requested that the Northern commission develop recommendations for a more regional approach to wastewater planning and management.
Zach Green, Raftelis project manager, told commissioners the firm specializes in water-sector management consulting and proposed a phased study. Green said phase 1A would document regional challenges and identify objectives for potential regionalization efforts; subsequent phases would develop and evaluate alternatives if the study group decided to proceed. He described a data-intensive process of document review, interviews, and workshops and estimated phase 1A would take about six to nine months.
Green said the Raftelis team would include subconsultants Zenharrow for western water rights and governance expertise and Jacobs for engineering support. He added the team anticipates in-person and virtual engagement with utility staff, commission members and elected officials and noted a possible final presentation around November 2025.
Commissioner Casey Mentzer moved to recommend approval of the scope and funding; Commissioner Crump seconded. The motion carried.
The approved recommendation asks the Western Regional Water Commission to authorize payment from the regional water management fund for the limited, initial phase of work. The motion and accompanying staff report specify the funding limit of $160,000 and that the contract would cover phase 1A only; any deeper technical or implementation work would require further approval.
Commission staff said the phase-based approach is intended to allow the region’s utilities and elected officials to decide whether to pursue more detailed feasibility or implementation work after receiving the phase 1A findings. No legal or regulatory requirements were cited during the discussion; the presentation focused on study scope, timeline and staffing.
If the Western Regional Water Commission approves the recommendation, staff and the Raftelis team will begin information gathering and scheduling interviews with utility and commission stakeholders.
Votes at a glance: - Recommendation to WRWC to approve scope of work and funding not to exceed $160,000 for Raftelis phase 1A feasibility study on regional wastewater planning — Motion moved by Commissioner Casey Mentzer; seconded by Commissioner Crump; outcome recorded as approved (motion carries). Vote tally not specified in the meeting transcript.
