Title
Discuss and consider findings and recommendations in the Wilbarger Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility (WCRWWTF) Preliminary Engineering Report submitted by Alan Plummer Associates.
Summary
The purpose of this item is to present findings and recommendations resulting from the preparation of the Wilbarger Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility (WCRWWTF) Preliminary Engineering Report by Alan Plummer Associates. A Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) permit was issued by TCEQ for 15.75 MGD on August 30, 2010, but the initial phase is projected for 4.0 MGD.
The impetus for the development of this new, regional wastewater facility is to accommodate growth and new development in Pflugerville, particularly along SH 130 in the Wilbarger Creek watershed, as well as relieve capacity at the Gilleland Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility. As secondary benefits, a number of lift stations will be able to be taken out of service and the existing force main along Weiss Lane can be repurposed to distribute reuse water. At the Gilleland Creek facility, the capacity was increased from 2.50 MGD to 5.3 MGD in 2007, but Pflugerville's rapid growth in the early 2000s dictated a need to develop alternatives. TCEQ requires that when a facility is at 75% capacity, plans for providing additional capacity must commence. At 90% capacity, TCEQ stipulates the start of construction. As of September 2010, the capacity was approximately 69%. Based on current trends within anticipated growth along SH 130, 75% capacity is anticipated in 2012 and 90% capacity is projected in 2014 or 2015.
An executive summary of the Preliminary Engineering Report is attached.
Prior City Council Action
The City Council adopted the Wastewater Master Plan in May 2008, which determined the need for a new regional wastewater treatment facility to serve the projected growth of the City. On March 10, 2009 the City Council authorized the preparation of the Preliminary Engineering Report and discharge permit application.
Deadline for City Council Action
None at this time.
Projected Future City Council Action
None at this time.
Fiscal Impact
The Phase I Opinion of Probable Construction cost is $27,960,000 and includes a 20% contingency. The current Utility Fund Capital Improvement Program (CIP) includes a construction estimate of $24,000,000. The preliminary engineering report recommends that during the final phase of engineering, items should be identified that could be bid as additive alternative bids in order to keep the construction estimate within the budget. (No funds have been bonded or allocated for the construction of the plant.)
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends that the design of Phase I proceed after completion of the Preliminary Engineering Report. Since the design phase is projected to take 12 months, it would be completed by Spring 2012. The decision to proceed with construction of Phase I would be based on growth rates at that time and existing capacity. The costs associated with the design of Phase I are from existing bond funds and listed in the Utility Fund CIP in the amount of $3,000,000. A scope remains to be negotiated with the design engineer.
Drafter
Trey Fletcher, Managing Director of Operations