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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-02-21 Water & Sewer NEW HANOVER COUNTY WATER AND DISTRICT BOARDBOOK 2 REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 21, 1994PAGE 148 ASSEMBLY The District Board of Commissioners of the New Hanover County Water & Sewer District met in Regular Session on Monday, February 21, 1994, at 10:32 A.M. in the First Floor Assembly Room of the New Hanover County Administration Building, 320 Chestnut Street, Wilmington, North Carolina. Members present were: District Commissioners Sandra Barone; William A. Caster; William E. Sisson, Jr.; Vice-Chairman E. L. Mathews, Jr.; Chairman Robert G. Greer; County Manager, Allen O'Neal; County Attorney, Wanda M. Copley; and Clerk to the District Board, Lucie F. Harrell. Chairman Mathews called the meeting to order. NON-AGENDA ITEMS Chairman Mathews inquired as to whether anyone from the general public would like to present an item that is not listed on the agenda. No items were presented. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion: District Commissioner Sisson MOVED, SECONDED by District Commissioner Caster to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 7, 1994. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. PRESENTATION OF THE NORTHEAST WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT FEASIBILITY STUDY Mr. Street Lea, representing McKim & Creed Engineers, reported the purpose of the study was to evaluate wastewater treatment alternatives for the northeastern part of New Hanover County on either side of Highway 17 north of the Military Cut-Off Road. With the rapid growth that has occurred in this part of the County, flow projections indicate that capacity for the Westwood Pump Station will be reached by FY 1996-97. The scope of the study was explained and the following alternatives were presented: Alternative A: This alternative includes the construction of the Wastewater Treatment Plant near the Landfall development with disposal of treated effluent onto the two golf courses within the development. The effluent would be pumped to the existing irrigation pond systems and would then be sprayed on the fairways utilizing the existing irrigation pumps and distribution piping. The treatment plant and disposal alternative would have a capacity of 300,000 gallons per day. Together with continued utilization of the Northeast Interceptor, the County's capacity would be approximately 1.5 million gallons daily of wastewater. The cost of NEW HANOVER COUNTY WATER AND DISTRICT BOARDBOOK 2 REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 21, 1994PAGE 149 this system would be approximately $1.73 million and would meet the County's needs into the year 2004. Alternative B: This alternative would include the improvements outlined in Alternative A, plus, it would include a pump station, force main and irrigation system for the disposal of effluent at the Duck Haven Golf Course. The Wastewater Treatment Plant would be increased in capacity to 400,000 gallons per day to reflect the increased disposal capacity by utilizing Duck Haven. The 1,200,000 gallons per day capacity of the Northeast Interceptor would provide a total of 1.6 million gallons daily service capacity. This would provide wastewater treatment and transmission capacity into the year 2007. The cost of this alternative would be approximately $2.55 million. Alternative C: This alternative considers the disposal capacity of the golf courses at Landfall and at Porters Neck. A wastewater treatment plant would be constructed near the Westwood Pump Station with a capacity of 500,000 gallons per day. The treated effluent would be pumped to each of these developments for irrigation usage. Landfall would receive 300,000 gallons per day and Porters Neck 200,000 gallons per day. A pump station and approximately 8.5 miles of force main would transport treated waste to Porters Neck. This would provide sewer needs up to 1.7 million gallons daily and into the year 2006. The cost of this alternative would be $2.5 million. Alternative D: This alternative includes the 300,000 gallons per day wastewater treatment plant and effluent disposal at Landfall. In addition, another 200,000 gallons per day of effluent would be collected and treated near Porters Neck and disposed of on the golf course at Porters Neck. This, like Alternative C, would provide a capacity of 1.7 million gallons daily. The estimated cost of this option is $3.5 million. Alternative E: This alternative considers utilization of the Northeast Interceptor to provide additional capacity at least until the County can develop a new wastewater treatment plant to serve the northern portion of the County. This can be done by increasing the pumping capacity of the three pump stations, or by developing a flow equalization facility to limit peak flows to the Westwood Pump Station at a maximum of 2,100 gallons per minute. The estimated cost of this option is approximately $702,000. Since it is not feasible to increase pumping capacity at the Hewlett Creek and Bradley Creek pump stations at this time, it is felt that Alternative E, a flow equalization facility, would meet the current needs and allow time for design and construction of the Northside Wastewater Treatment Plant. Discussion was held on the size of tank needed for a flow equalization facility and the amount of land required for this NEW HANOVER COUNTY WATER AND DISTRICT BOARDBOOK 2 REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 21, 1994PAGE 150 system. Mr. Lea reported the tank size will depend on whether the facility will operate for an interim period of time or as a permanent facility. If this is a permanent facility, the tank will be large and require more land; however, for interim use, a 300,000 to 500,000 gallon tank capacity could be located on a 2-acre site. The County currently has a force main and pump station that runs the length of Highway 17 from Porters Neck Road to Bayshore. There is a 30-inch gravity line that will be the first portion of an outfall that extends over to the Airport area. The 30-inch outfall or the lower edge of the outfall that stops at Gordon Road would be an area to consider for construction of the flow equalization facility. This would allow the facility to be used as a connector to the Northeast Interceptor and also be used as the gravity line extended to the Airport. Discussion was held on the amount of time the flow equalization facility can be used. Mr. Lea reported the facility will serve to meet interim needs for 3-5 years until plans are in place for the design and construction of the proposed outfall to the Northside Wastewater Treatment Plant. Also, the facility could continue to operate with design of the outfall and pump stations downstream based on an average flow since peak flows are being handled, which will downsize pipes. The flow equalization facility could be constructed within 12-18 months. District Commissioner Greer commented on permits approved by the State for discharge into the Cape Fear River and expressed concern for moving forward with this project instead of moving forward with construction of the Northside Wastewater Treatment Plant. County Manager O'Neal reported staff has been preparing the request for proposals for the design of the Northside Wastewater Treatment Plant; however, a specific revenue source must be identified. District Commissioner Greer inquired as to why the plant is not being located in the northeastern portion of the County? County Engineer Blanchard reported the discharge must flow into the Cape Fear River at the point where the Northeast Cape Fear River merges with the Cape Fear River as required in the CAMA permits. It is hoped that the County will be able to use the City's current outfall discharge pipe. Further discussion was held on the capacity of the current system and the time needed to construct the Northside Wastewater Treatment Plant. Mr. Lea reported construction of the Northside Wastewater Treatment Plant will require at least 3 1/2 to 4 years. As to location, the treatment plant should be constructed as close as possible to the Westwood Pump Station to reduce the infrastructure costs. The reason for not recommending construction NEW HANOVER COUNTY WATER AND DISTRICT BOARDBOOK 2 REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 21, 1994PAGE 151 of the Northside Wastewater Treatment Plant in the northeastern portion of the County is because gravity flow tends to move toward the Airport from the northeastern portion of the County. If the plant design should be moved more northwardly, the wastewater flow would have to be upgraded to carry the flow to the treatment plant, which would be costly in the future. District Commissioner Caster commented on Alternative A, the land application disposal option, and inquired as to whether this is a viable option? Mr. Lea reported the District has a discharge permit to carry the treated effluent to the Cape Fear River from the proposed Northside Wastewater Treatment Plant. If the District decides to use land application, the District will not be able to obtain a discharge permit to take the effluent further to the east into a tributary. The effluent will have to be carried back to the current permit discharge point. Also, if land application is used a suitable site will have to be selected with the landowners being in agreement, and a State permitting process will have to be completed which will delay construction of the facility until mid- 1997. Chairman Mathews inquired as to the public's perception of the land application method? Mr. Lea reported the public would have to be educated to understand the ramifications of land application. Generally, the public is skeptical about this disposal method until they fully understand the system. District Commissioner Greer inquired as to how long the proposed Northside Wastewater Treatment Plant will accommodate the County's needs? Mr. Lea reported if the Northside Wastewater Treatment Plant is located in the vicinity of the Airport and constructed as designed to handle four million gallons per day, the facility will serve the entire unincorporated County for the next 20 years. Motion: After discussion, District Commissioner Sisson MOVED, SECONDED by District Commissioner Caster to accept the study. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Discussion was held on the need to hold a Work Session to thoroughly review the study by McKim & Creed. Chairman Mathews requested staff to be prepared to discuss proposed annexation by the City and how this will impact the County Sewer System. Consensus: It was the consensus of the Board to schedule a Work Session on March 21, 1994, in Room 501 of the County Administration Building at 1:00 P.M. NEW HANOVER COUNTY WATER AND DISTRICT BOARDBOOK 2 REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 21, 1994PAGE 152 APPROVAL OF BUDGET AMENDMENT #94-0146 TO RECORD SAVINGS ON THE 1994 WATER & SEWER REFUNDING BOND ISSUE Motion: After discussion of the savings gained from the bond refunding issue, District Commissioner Sisson MOVED, SECONDED by District Commissioner Caster to approve the following Budget Amendment to record the savings. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 94-0146 Water & Sewer District/Sewer Operating Fund/Water & Sewer Finance Debit Credit Water & Sewer Finance Interest $111,680 Principal $80,000 Water & Sewer Operating Fund Appropriated Fund Balance $31,680 APPROVAL OF BUDGET AMENDMENT #94-0147 TO BUDGET COST OF CONSTRUCTING TRUNK LINES AND RELATED FACILITIES PERTAINING TO AN APPROVED CONTRACT WITH OLD SOUTH, INC. Motion: District Commissioner Greer MOVED, SECONDED by District Commissioner Caster to approve the following Budget Amendment to budget cost of constructing trunk lines and related facilities to reimburse Old South, Inc. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 94-0147 Water & Sewer District/Water & Sewer Operating Fund/Water & Sewer Engineering Debit Credit Sewer Operating Fund Appropriated Fund Balance $85,977 Water & Sewer Engineering Other Improvements $85,977 ADJOURNMENT Motion: District Commissioner Sisson MOVED, SECONDED by District Commissioner Caster to adjourn. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chairman Mathews adjourned the meeting at 11:15 A.M. Respectfully submitted, Lucie F. Harrell Clerk to the District Board