Aurora releases Box Elder Creek Basin plan; recommends interim septic or mini‑treatment while long‑term infrastructure is phased

Aurora City staff presented the Box Elder Creek Basin planning study on Nov. 20, laying out options to serve a basin that spans roughly 72 square miles east of I‑70 and the E‑470 corridor.

“Nina,” who introduced the study as a city planner, told the committee the study models residential and employment growth and projects near‑ and long‑term potable‑water and wastewater demands. Officials said two permanent options dominate the analysis: building a permanent water reclamation facility in the basin or constructing lift stations that would pump flows to Metro Water Recovery’s northern treatment plant.

Staff emphasized that, because of topography, the eventual treatment location would be the same for either permanent alternative and that phased delivery would be required as development proceeds. For near‑term needs, the study recommends interim solutions — packaged reclamation facilities or individual sewage disposal systems (septic) — used under mini‑exclusion agreements with Metro Water Recovery.

According to the presentation, Metro has approved mini‑exclusion agreements in select remote locations where providing regional service is not yet cost‑effective; the city would coordinate those agreements with Metro and hold collected Metro‑fee components until a permanent solution is decided.

The study frames interim systems as ways to defer high‑cost, long‑distance pipeline construction while serving early development in the basin. Committee members asked about statutory and contract limitations that give Metro exclusive service authority; staff responded that the exclusivity arises from prior agreements and state statute and that mini‑exclusions are a negotiated exception.

The presentation was information‑only; staff will continue coordination with Metro and developers as growth patterns in the basin evolve.