Amarillo City Council receives update on wastewater treatment plant project

During Tuesday’s Amarillo City Council meeting, Assistant City Manager Donny Hooper provided a comprehensive update on the ongoing Wastewater Treatment Plant Project, a major initiative aimed at expanding and modernizing the city’s wastewater treatment capabilities. The project, now in its planning and early assessment stages, involves the construction of two smaller wastewater treatment plants designed to meet the city’s needs for the next decade to decade and a half.

Hooper emphasized the long-term nature of the project, noting that full completion is not expected until 2031 or 2032. The process will include multiple phases, from preliminary assessments and permitting to construction and eventual expansion evaluations. He characterized the project as a “marathon, not a sprint,” highlighting the city’s commitment to providing timely updates to both the council and the public throughout the process.

Formation of Project Subcommittee

Following a recommendation by Mayor Cole Stanley, the city assembled a subcommittee to oversee the project. Hooper described the subcommittee’s initial meeting as successful and emphasized its role in maintaining consistent communication with both council members and the community. The subcommittee aims to ensure transparency and equip its members with accurate information for engaging with stakeholders.

By centralizing information and fostering clear communication, city officials hope to prevent misunderstandings and misinformation among the public and ensure that council members can confidently discuss project details. Hooper noted that the subcommittee would serve as a critical link in disseminating project updates and maintaining trust throughout the project’s duration.

Acknowledgment of Operations Support Team

During the meeting, Councilmember David Prescott recognized the contributions of the city’s Operations Support team, highlighting the importance of their work in maintaining the wastewater treatment infrastructure. He acknowledged that discussions during the previous election cycle had included disparaging remarks about their abilities and expressed support for the team’s efforts. Prescott praised the team for their professionalism and emphasized that the city looks forward to ensuring they have adequate resources to complete the project successfully.

Need for Upgrades

Hooper outlined the reasons for the project, citing capacity challenges, permitting issues, and the need to accommodate growth. Both of the city’s existing wastewater treatment plants—the Hollywood facility and the River Road facility—are aging and require modernization.

The Hollywood plant is over 60 years old, with its last major upgrades completed in 1995 when the city’s population was approximately 165,000. The River Road plant is more than a century old, with its last significant improvements made in 2002 when the population was about 170,000. Hooper stressed that technological advances since those upgrades have created an opportunity and need for modernization.

Project Evolution: From Centralized to Dual-Plant Approach

Initially, the city planned to build a single centralized wastewater treatment plant designed to accommodate 25 years of projected growth. Under this plan, the River Road plant would have been converted into a large lift station, transporting wastewater to the new central facility via an interceptor pipeline.

However, after evaluating the approach, city engineers recommended a different strategy. The new plan calls for constructing two smaller wastewater treatment plants simultaneously, each with a capacity to serve the city for 10 to 15 years. Portions of the Hollywood plant will be rehabilitated and repurposed, and the River Road plant will also undergo upgrades to ensure continued functionality during construction.

This dual-plant approach allows the city to manage costs, maintain operations at existing facilities, and reduce risks associated with over-reliance on a single centralized plant. Hooper noted that floodplain and land-use constraints were carefully considered, and mitigation strategies have been identified to address potential issues at both locations.

Technical Assessments and Findings

Hooper provided a summary of technical assessments conducted at the River Road facility. In August, a team of 24 city specialists, working with Kimley-Horn and Associates, evaluated over 660 assets across mechanical, electrical, and structural systems. The team used a red/yellow/green rating system to indicate the condition of each asset, with red signaling immediate attention, yellow indicating temporary or moderate issues, and green showing components in good condition.

The electrical systems were largely in good condition, with only minor issues identified. Mechanical systems, including pumping, aeration, and conveyance components, showed several areas requiring attention. Structurally, three older basins were flagged for repairs, primarily involving concrete restoration. Overall, Hooper reported that the plant is in a position to continue operations for the next five years while the new facilities are developed.

TCEQ Regulations and Capacity Thresholds

Hooper also addressed state regulations under the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), which require planning for expansions or upgrades when a plant reaches 75% of its permitted capacity for three consecutive months. Construction authorization is required once plants hit 90% of permitted capacity for the same duration.

The Hollywood plant, permitted at 12 million gallons per day (MGD), has already reached the 75% threshold multiple times over the past two years. The River Road plant, permitted at 16 MGD, currently operates at roughly 56% of its permitted capacity. Hooper noted that most of River Road’s effluent is directed to Xcel Energy under a contractual arrangement, limiting the plant’s operational capacity to 9 MGD for industrial discharge compliance.

These thresholds and regulations are guiding the city’s planning decisions, ensuring timely expansions to meet both regulatory and operational demands while accommodating projected population and industrial growth.

Funding Opportunities

Several funding sources are being pursued to support the project. Hooper highlighted three key opportunities:

Texas Water Development Board General Revenue Grant: A $20 million allocation, sponsored by a local representative, which is flexible and intended for project design costs. Applications have been submitted, and board approval is pending.

Clean Water State Revolving Fund: A $60 million low-interest loan from the Texas Water Development Board, intended to support both design and construction phases. The application process is extensive and ongoing.

Army Corps of Engineers Funding: Approximately $38 million potentially available for flood mitigation efforts at the Hollywood facility. Discussions had been temporarily delayed due to recent federal furloughs but are expected to resume.

Hooper emphasized the city’s commitment to exploring all available funding sources to minimize costs for ratepayers while ensuring project completion.

Tentative Project Timeline

A draft timeline for the project outlines several key phases. Preliminary engineering and a master study are expected to be completed in the coming months. Concurrently, funding applications will continue, and permitting processes will begin early next year, spanning approximately 18 months. This stage includes permits for the new plants and recruitment for construction efforts.

Flood mitigation at the Hollywood facility will commence during permitting, followed by design work for the new plants. Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin around mid-2028, with full project completion projected for 2031 or 2032.

Hooper stressed that neither existing plant can be taken offline until replacement facilities are operational, reinforcing the importance of a phased construction approach. While previous cost estimates ranged from $2 to $3 billion, the current goal is to reduce project expenses to under $1 billion through careful planning, value engineering, and the strategic use of existing infrastructure.

Preparing for Future Expansion

Following the completion of the current project, the city will evaluate the performance of the new and rehabilitated facilities to determine whether further expansions or additional rehabilitation are required. This evaluation will consider population growth, industrial development, and changes in technology over the subsequent five years.

Hooper noted that an industrial pre-treatment program would need to be enhanced to accommodate larger industrial users, ensuring that effluent meets regulatory and contractual requirements. Permit renewals and applications for new discharge points are also part of ongoing planning efforts.

Community Engagement and Transparency

Throughout the meeting, Hooper highlighted the city’s commitment to transparency and communication. The subcommittee and project team are intended to provide council members and community stakeholders with accurate, timely information about project progress, funding, and technical challenges. By maintaining open lines of communication, the city hopes to build trust and confidence in the management of a project that will shape Amarillo’s wastewater infrastructure for decades.

Looking Ahead

The Amarillo Wastewater Treatment Plant Project represents one of the most significant infrastructure initiatives in recent city history. Its complexity, long timeline, and scale require careful coordination, technical expertise, and financial planning. By pursuing a dual-plant strategy, upgrading existing facilities, and seeking multiple funding avenues, city officials aim to meet regulatory requirements, support projected growth, and maintain reliable service for residents and businesses.

While full completion is a decade or more away, the city is actively laying the groundwork to ensure that the project proceeds efficiently and responsibly. Through detailed assessments, phased construction, and continuous oversight, Amarillo aims to modernize its wastewater treatment infrastructure while controlling costs and minimizing disruption to the community.

As the project advances, city leaders plan to keep the public informed through regular updates, emphasizing accountability, transparency, and a commitment to long-term sustainability. With careful planning and strategic investment, Amarillo is positioning itself to address both immediate infrastructure needs and future growth challenges.