TBCD looks at wastewater
WINNIE— Trinity Bay Conservation District met last week, discussing the wastewater evaluation study and ongoing projects throughout their service area.
TBCD held its monthly meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 8, where a representative of Plummer reviewed the Hankamer wastewater system evaluation with the board.
The evaluation entails a 5–10-year plan based on a model representing real-world scenarios.
The representative noted pressure was a concern, but the biggest “red flag” was new growth putting the plant above capacity.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality suggests that when a plant is at 75% capacity, planning and development for plant expansion should begin. At 90%, construction should begin.
South of Texas 61 shows the largest growth, with four developments in the works, but the existing line on Texas 61 can’t support additional growth, according to the representative.
Only one portion of the study area is above 60% capacity, and the representative suggested planning for an expansion should begin once one of the developments is completed.
As for recommendations, Plummer broke the plans into two phases and provided estimated costs.
Phase one would cost about $1.7 million, including adding pumps, redesigning and replacing existing pumps, and installing additional pipes. Phase two has similar plans but would cost about $2.1 million.
TBCD Board Attorney Kate Leverette and General Manager Jerry Shadden discussed meeting with representatives of the city of Anahuac to update the sewer agreement between the two entities, which came about due to the Lakes of Anahuac subdivision.
The subdivision will have about 300 homes once completed, with 30 homes built annually, according to Shadden.
Once the Anahuac plant reaches 70% capacity, TBCD will begin seeking funding for its own plant.
As for bond projects, Shadden said the 20-inch water line could be operational by the end of the month, depending on the pressure test and a few other factors.
The board approved a $198,000 payment for the water line project as part of a monthly payment plan until it is paid off.
The water tank design is currently under review by the TCEQ engineering department.
The board approved purchasing 250 additional electronic water meters for $80,500. Crews have about 1,600 to 1,700 remaining to install.
TBCD discussed developing plans to address the low-pressure issues at FM 563 and Pine Hollow Drive. There were also discussions about adding two fire hydrants in the area.
The board renewed its contract with Regroup Mass Notification for the TBCD emergency notification system.
The system is $8 per customer for those who choose to be part of the notification system. The system informs customers about boil-water notices, office closures and more.