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Study flags likely costs, lifespan and operational needs for storage basins
Summary
Consultants told the committee basins of 500,000–1,100,000 gallons would typically be concrete, carry an expected structural life of 50–100 years, cost roughly $5–$7 per gallon to construct, and require periodic maintenance such as automated flushing to manage solids and odors.
In response to council questions about durability, maintenance and cost, consultants said large equalization basins are most often cast‑in‑place reinforced concrete and have an expected structural life of at least 50 years and often up to 100 years. For basins in the 500,000–1,000,000 gallon range, Rodney offered a rule of thumb construction cost of roughly $5–$7 per gallon. "So for instance, if you have 500,000 gallon storage basin, you're probably looking at a minimum of $2,500,000 for the storage tank," he said.
Operations and maintenance issues surfaced in questioning: because stored flow includes sanitary sewage mixed with stormwater, basins can accumulate solids and produce odors if not handled. Rodney recommended options such as automated tipping‑bucket flushers to clear sediment and limit manual maintenance, but noted such systems add to capital cost. He also described typical automated or operator-controlled pump‑out sequences tied to downstream capacity sensors.
Timeline: consultants said they expect the analysis phase to conclude near the end of July and the full report by the end of August; construction of a storage basin, if approved, typically takes 12–18 months depending on site complexity.
