Budget Calendar

Another key aspect of the Facility Plan Update was to gain a solid understanding of regulatory issues that may influence (impact) future treatment requirements and identify long-term biological treatment alternatives to comply with anticipated future regulation changes.

Near-term and mid-term project recommendations from the Plan include:

 Plant Headworks Project—This $11 million project spans 2 years and consists of a new grit removal system to replace the existing problematic system, a fine screening facility which will supplement the WRF’s existing bar screens, and storage at the plant using existing decommissioned tanks to provide more effective treatment during peak flow events. In addition, by removing more grit than the current process, it will help to better protect downstream processes within the plant. Construction of the Plant Headworks Project began in early April 2017 and is currently operational.

 High Rate Primary Treatment Project—This $17 million project will provide primary clarification by removing solids before the biological treatment stage. This will provide a more effective treatment and will help the Rotating Biological Contactors (RBC’s) to better perform. During high flow (storm) events, this treatment can be ramped-up in order to match the higher flows. Construction began in FY2019 and has been completed in FY2022.

 Biological System Upgrades—This $70 million project is being driven by the future water quality regulations as set forth in MSD’s NPDES permit (effluent discharge permit).

Compliance with effluent ammonia levels must be achieved by October 2030 and will require significant upgrades to the existing biological treatment system. Design will begin in

FY2025 with construction starting in FY2027.

Impact of CIP on Operations

For most municipal and county governments, capital improvements often result in higher operating costs. New buildings typically result in higher utility cost as well as cost for additional personnel.

The CIP for the District is largely made up of upgrades to existing facilities such as pump stations, sewer mains, and treatment plant facilities. Although some new chemicals may be added to treatment methods on occasion, the overall net effect of the CIP is actually one of reduced cost. The marginal increase in the size of replacement facilities (seen as up-front capital cost) is offset by increases in efficiencies of the new mechanical and electrical equipment replacements. In addition, as the level of service of the sewer mains