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Fernley approves water‑plant planning; council authorizes up to $4 million for design
Summary
Council voted 5–0 to approve planning and design for upgrades to the Fernley Water Treatment Plant, endorsing CDM Smith recommendations to add Truckee Canal surface-water intake systems, sludge processing upgrades and SCADA improvements; the estimated project cost is $40 million and the council authorized up to $4 million for design work.
The Fernley City Council on Aug. 20 approved a plan to pursue major upgrades to the Fernley Water Treatment Plant, including infrastructure to bring surface water from the Truckee Canal into the plant, changes to raw‑water handling, additional sludge handling (drying beds) and upgrades to the plant’s SCADA controls.
CDM Smith engineers said the water plant was originally designed for groundwater and that introducing a surface‑water source presents different water chemistry, solids handling and taste‑and‑odor considerations. The consultant recommended modifications including an intake structure with an automated turbidimeter and valve, flash‑mix piping changes, additional sludge drying beds, and consideration of granular activated carbon (GAC) for taste and odor if monitoring shows it is necessary.
"Bringing a surface water source to a groundwater treatment plant brings in new challenges," a CDM Smith presenter said, outlining the need to add turbidimeters and intake controls and to phase surface‑water flow into the plant at low initial rates. The presentation also noted preliminary sampling showing concentrations of PFOS (a PFAS compound) in three of the city’s wells; CDM Smith advised continued sampling and regulator engagement to determine whether PFAS removal will be required.
Councilman Hannon moved to approve the utilities department proceeding with planning and design of the recommended improvements, with a total estimated project cost of $40,000,000 and authority to use up to $4,000,000 for the design phase; the motion was seconded and carried 5–0.
Acting Utility Director Sung Kim described two broad options for the plant: one that includes surge drying beds (higher capital cost but lower long‑term operating waste hauling costs) and an alternative that omits drying beds but would have ongoing operating costs for sludge disposal. CDM Smith stressed that some items were necessary now (pump station modifications, raw water piping changes and sludge handling) and others relied on further sampling (taste and odor/GAC needs). The consultants also recommended SCADA upgrades because parts and service are becoming scarce.
Next steps: council authorized design funds and directed staff to continue sampling, refine options during design, and pursue funding avenues including EPA programs and the state revolving loan fund.
