Austin City Council Approves $1 Billion for Wastewater Plant Upgrades

Austin, Texas – The Austin City Council endorsed contracts totaling over a hefty $1 billion for the expansion and upgrade of a prime wastewater facility in East Austin. The Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, in operation since 1977, serves as one of Austin Water’s two significant facilities.

A “Generational Investment”

The approved contracts are an earmark for what Shay Ralls Roalson, Austin Water Director, calls a “generational investment” in the city’s wastewater infrastructure. The colossal investment is in line with the city’s growing population and the concomitant increasing amount of wastewater.

As Roalson articulated in her recent memo to the mayor and City Council, “Austin has experienced significant population growth since 2005.” The rapid expansion has resulted in an elevation of wastewater flows to Walnut Creek WWTP, necessitating the plant’s expansion in accordance with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regulations.

Contracts and Provisions

The main contract for the plant’s enhancement has been awarded to MWH Constructors with a cap of $900 million. This means the city has the prerogative to disburse up to $900 million for the constructor’s services, without modifying the contract. In addition, the city has approved an added $71 million to the existing contract with AECOM Technical Services, taking the complete amount to a maximum of $130 million.

A Noteworthy Expansion

Remarkable upgrades are planned for the 44-year-old facility. The plant will see the inclusion of a new “treatment train” that can manage 25 million gallons-per-day as well as enhancements to its existing machinery. Alongside, the City Council approved four amendments to existing city contracts. Such amendments represent an extra $150 million in new funding for contractors for diversified upgrades.

The Road Map Ahead

Keeping in sync with state regulations and amidst rising population, the plant is under immense pressure to treat 100 million gallons per day. Construction for the new projects is expected to commence in 2025. As Roalson boldly stated in a city news release, “With these investments, every part of the treatment process will be enhanced and upgraded, and we will be prepared to serve the growing needs of our City.“

Opposition to the Project

Despite the grand plans for the wastewater plant, some resistance was evident. Bill Bunch, the executive director of Save Our Springs Alliance, appealed to postpone the plant-related items at Thursday’s City Council meeting, urging a reconsideration of the substantial expenditure.