Consultants present Phase 1a wastewater regionalization feasibility study; commission hears proposed Phase 1b validation work

Consultants presented a completed Phase 1a of a regional wastewater regionalization feasibility study and outlined recommended next steps and a proposed Phase 1b scope to validate alternatives.

John Mastracchio of Raftelis told the commission the Phase 1a report documented regional challenges including equity — ensuring prior investments and future costs are fairly recognized — governance complexity, staffing issues and the need to maintain momentum. "We documented the regional challenges associated with wastewater management," Mastracchio said, listing equitable rates, governance representation and staffing as primary concerns.

Staff and consultants said the next phase would validate regional alternatives identified in Phase 1a and would support decision-makers with more detailed information on governance models, cost allocation and implementation pathways. The presentation also noted fiscal planning: projects without fully developed scopes are covered in a $900,000 contingency budget and WRWC routine operating costs were cited at $819,333, described as a slight increase over the prior fiscal year.

The consultants and staff emphasized coordination with regional partners; staff said they are awaiting EPA UCMR 5 results that will inform certain project scopes and that adoption-related steps will include public review periods. Commissioners asked for no formal vote; the item was presented as information and no commission directive or approval of Phase 1b was recorded at the meeting.