Committee hears AECOM facility assessment; report will examine plant upgrades and possible NEORSD independence

City wastewater staff told the Utilities Committee that a comprehensive AECOM assessment of both treatment plants — divided into four zones (preliminary, secondary, effluent and solids handling) — began in mid‑2025 and will continue through 2026.

Wastewater Superintendent Ed Haller said workshops on Zone 1 are complete and that AECOM is preparing reports for the remaining zones. He identified three early‑action priorities already in design: replacement of the primary tank at Plant A, installation of an influent pump station at Plant B, and replacement of a motor control center and electrical panel at Plant A. Haller said the goal is to move from design to a biddable package by fall 2026.

Councilman Paul Marnecheck asked whether AECOM’s analysis would include a pros‑and‑cons evaluation of remaining independent from the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD). Haller confirmed that AECOM included an evaluation of North Royalton’s independence in its long list of objectives; Marnecheck asked that the exchange be entered into the record.

Haller cautioned that prior isolated upgrades had sometimes had unintended downstream impacts and said a comprehensive evaluation is needed to ensure new equipment does not adversely affect other processes. He emphasized the value of evaluating whole‑system interactions before advancing major projects so city funds are spent efficiently.

Next steps include completing the remaining zone evaluations, finalizing the facility assessment report and completing early‑action designs for bidding.