Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure Water topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
North Lauderdale seeks approval for injection-well site plan as part of new water-plant project; staff warns of high costs
Summary
Commissioners reviewed a site plan step that will allow geotechnical work for a proposed water-plant and a 3,000-foot injection well; staff said design funding is covered by a principal-forgiveness loan but construction could cost tens of millions and likely requires federal grants or debt.
City staff asked the commission to approve a site plan that allows the city to move ahead with design and geotechnical work for a new water-treatment plant and a deep injection well.
Assistant Public Works/Utilities Director Hung said approval of the site plan will authorize geotechnical borings and permitting that are prerequisites to construction. “By approval of this site plan, the city give a green light to move forward with the injection well,” Hung said.
Commissioners asked technical questions. Hung said the disposal zone for the injection well could be about 3,000 feet below grade and that construction uses multiple casings, with the final disposal casing roughly 24 inches. He also said the design phase is funded by a principal-forgiveness loan that covers design and permitting — staff cited roughly $7 million for design and engineering — while construction estimates vary widely. “The construction cost could be between $80 to $100 million,” Hung said, noting market and regulatory factors affect the final figure.
City Manager Sargent said the city lacks a dedicated construction appropriation and is pursuing grants and federal discussions; he urged commissioners to press federal representatives for funding because the state ban on ocean disposal has forced many utilities to build injection wells. “This has to be done by federal law,” Sargent said, arguing the city needs to coordinate with elected officials to seek appropriations.
Community engagement: staff committed to engaging residents near the proposed site with community meetings and said outreach will be done before physical work begins.
Next steps: commission action on the site plan will allow engineering and permitting to proceed and will be followed by a future contract award to drill and construct the well once funding and final design are secured.
