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Piperton rejects Rossville terms, hires Wauford to study wastewater options
Summary
After finding Rossville’s proposed terms for additional sewage capacity financially untenable, the Piperton Board approved a professional services engagement with Wauford & Company for up to $10,000 to evaluate lagoon‑based wastewater options and permit adjustments.
Facing more development and constrained sewer capacity, the Piperton Board voted May 19 to hire Wauford & Company Consulting Engineers for up to $10,000 to evaluate wastewater treatment lagoon options and related permitting as the city weighs alternatives to a costly renovation of its Adair treatment plant.
City Manager Steve Steinbach summarized prior talks with the Town of Rossville about increasing Piperton’s permitted sewage capacity from the current 80,000 gallons per day to 400,000 gpd. Rossville’s April 16 proposal included a required annual reserve capacity fee of $800,000 and additional per‑1,000‑gallon charges under the draft terms. "The terms as they have been provided to us…in my estimation are just not tenable," Steinbach said, calling the financial requirements a "non‑starter." Commissioner Joel Townsend said the Rossville proposal would mean higher rates for Piperton customers.
Given a previously estimated $8–9 million price tag to renovate the Adair mechanical treatment plant, staff recommended exploring a lagoon‑based or hybrid approach that Wauford would evaluate. Public Works Director Richard Mills explained that Piperton currently holds a 3.1‑million‑gpd permit but lacks the customer base to shoulder large debt for a mechanical renovation; Wauford’s work will include feasibility, permitting considerations with TDEC, and a preliminary schedule and cost estimate.
Commissioner Townsend moved to approve a professional services agreement for Wauford & Company not to exceed $10,000; Commissioner Ronnie Gross seconded and the motion passed with all affirmative votes. Mills said the first meeting with Wauford was expected within the week and that the consultant will assess whether a lagoon‑oriented solution can achieve acceptable effluent limits and lower capital cost. Staff estimated roughly two years to resolve capacity needs if current development proceeds at the present pace.
The Board’s action authorizes due diligence work only; no commitment was made to a specific capital option or to accepting Rossville’s proposal.
