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County hears update on Pamunkey River water-supply project; intake permit changes and $30–44M intake estimate discussed
Summary
County and Arcadis presenters updated supervisors on the Pamunkey River surface-water supply project, noting an ultimate system capacity of 8 MGD, an initial DEQ allocation of 3 MGD, a preliminary intake/pump-station cost estimate of about $34 million (range $30–44M), and required permit reapplications, including a new VMRC application after relocating the intake.
County staff and Arcadis engineers presented a status update on New Kent County's Pamunkey River Water Supply Project and answered board questions about permits, costs and next steps.
Mike Wooden of Arcadis described the planned surface-water system and said the project has "an ultimate capacity of 8,000,000 gallons per day," while noting the current DEQ allocation in the permit is for an average daily withdrawal of 3 MGD. He explained the county intends to build infrastructure now to ultimate capacity so the river would not be re-disturbed later, and that regulators are generally supportive of constructing at the larger scale while DEQ issues the initial, smaller allocation.
Wooden and Mr. Lang (county staff) outlined permitting work: DEQ and the Army Corps permits require modification because the intake location was moved about a half-mile upstream; the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) will require a new permanent application because VMRC jurisdiction covers river-bottom disturbance. Wooden also identified an approximate point estimate for the intake, pump station and short conveyance at about $34,000,000 with a planning range of $30–44 million, acknowledging substantial uncertainty at this stage.
Board members raised questions about land ownership for the treatment plant site, pilot testing sequencing (jar tests completed, field pilot planned), and tribal consultation. Mr. Lang clarified the Pamunkey Indian Tribe functions as a consulting party to DHR and the Army Corps for cultural-resource review; he stated the tribe does not issue a permit that can unilaterally stop the project though cultural-resource issues could require mitigation. Wooden outlined further steps: complete 30% design, secure easements and property acquisition, complete pilot testing and corrosion studies, and pursue the modifications and new applications with DEQ, Army Corps and VMRC.
