Council approves ordinance framework to allow South Texas Dewatering facility to discharge to city sewer under contract

City staff presented proposed amendments to Article 3 of the city wastewater code, updating sections 78‑141 through 78‑185 to authorize the city manager to negotiate case‑by‑case contracts and fee schedules when a facility’s waste profile does not fit existing categories.

Staff and the city’s contract engineer described a pending application from South Texas Dewatering, a new dewatering facility that would initially discharge about 20,000 gallons per day (roughly 5 percent of current plant flow). Presenters said the facility separates solids off site and would discharge treated liquid; treatment steps include chemical and mechanical clarification, and the company holds a TCEQ (TCQ in transcript) permit for its operations. The consultant said the plant’s influent would have a somewhat higher BOD but staff recommended controls (permit limits, regular sampling and a per‑gallon charge) and case‑by‑case approval to avoid system overload if multiple similar facilities locate in town.

Council members asked about fee structure, minimums, second‑pass treatment options, how haulers will be permitted, and what happens on company sale. Staff said the ordinance sets a fixed permit fee and a separate per‑gallon fee; for this facility the per‑gallon fee was proposed at $0.01 and the permit fee on the low end of the ordinance range. If flows or constituents change materially, staff said contract terms could be renegotiated. The council voted to adopt the amendment and authorized the city manager to enter into the contract for the South Texas Dewatering facility as presented.

The ordinance change creates a procedural pathway for the city to accept nonstandard wastewater discharges under controlled contracts; council emphasized regular testing and the manager’s discretion to limit or renegotiate terms if multiple similar facilities would threaten system capacity.