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Kerr Lake Regional Water renovation estimated at $57M; Sandy Creek pump station overflows highlighted
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Summary
KLRW Director Christy Lipscomb and City Engineer Clark Thomas updated Council on a reduced-scope $57 million plant renovation that would maintain 19 MGD capacity; they noted 11 sewer overflows since June 2020 at Sandy Creek when rainfall exceeds about 1–1.5 inches and that the city has applied to the Clean Water SRF.
Kerr Lake Regional Water Director Christy Lipscomb and City Engineer Clark Thomas briefed Council on a reduced-scope renovation of the KLRW treatment plant that trims equipment while retaining conventional treatment and adding one pulsator; the project cost is now estimated at $57 million and, if approved by state funding partners, will be finalized by CDM Smith and submitted to the Local Government Commission for final approval.
Lipscomb said the reduced scope preserves the plant’s high rating and would allow production of about 19 million gallons per day (MGD). She cautioned that future costs—such as sludge removal—could surface after construction but said those were not expected to prevent operation at opening.
Council asked whether state funding would carry conditions; Lipscomb said she did not expect "strings" attached and Thomas added that the Army Corps of Engineers has approved the plant for 20 MGD, providing additional capacity headroom. The manager said he had been in conversations with the State and expected the State to fully fund the project when it meets on Feb. 10, subject to the commission’s approval.
On sewer system performance, Lipscomb explained the Sandy Creek pump station does not keep up during heavier rain events (about 1–1.5 inches), producing overflows; she reported 11 overflows since June 2020, the city has received violations but no fish kills have been reported. Thomas said an application has been submitted to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and reminded Council that in March the Council had voted to accept a 0% interest loan for related upgrades.
Blackmon said stormwater management will likely require additional staff and funding. Council requested continued updates as state funding and SRF decisions move forward.