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Council Defers $348,000 Wastewater Alternative Study Pending Final Master Plan
Summary
City staff and consultants proposed a $348,000 alternative‑analysis study to evaluate options for expanding wastewater treatment capacity (expand Southwest and Central plants and site a new west/northwest plant). Several council members asked to see the finalized 2025 wastewater master plan, due Sept. 2, before approving the study; council agreed
City staff presented a $348,000 alternative‑analysis proposal to examine options for increasing wastewater treatment capacity, including expanding the Southwest Regional and Conroe Central plants, diverting flows to a more efficient regional plant, and siting a new West/Northwest facility. The study would analyze permitting, discharge permits, floodplain mitigation, site selection, condition assessments of existing plants, and life‑cycle cost comparisons to inform capital planning over a 10–15 year horizon.
Staff and Friese & Nichols emphasized long lead times for permitting and construction—8–10 years estimated for a new plant using collaborative delivery—so they recommended beginning siting and permitting work now. Council members asked about the planning horizon, costs per gallon, and how the analysis aligns with the 2025 wastewater master plan; staff said the finalized master plan would be delivered Sept. 2 and recommended deferring action on the study until the council had reviewed that document.
Councilwoman Porter (and others) requested the final master plan be distributed and reviewed prior to any vote; staff agreed to bring the plan and the alternative‑analysis item back at the next meeting. No contract was approved at the workshop; staff said further actions and any capital improvements would return to council with project‑specific recommendations.
