Government
BY MELISSA ENAJE & KEVIN VU
Wastewater plant project increases by millions Bellaire officials are faced with increased costs to the wastewater treatment plant, a project that would either rehabilitate the current plant, rebuild a new one or decommission the plant and connect to Houston’s wastewater system, according to an April 21 City Council meeting. About the project Chris Malinowski, a project manager at HDR, an engineering firm that conducted the cost estimate work order, said the new prices for the project options have increased by millions of dollars due to factors such as purchasing a temporary package plant, installing an odor control system and rising equipment costs. City Engineer Beth Jones told Community Impact that tariffs did not play a role in increased costs. However, if the city decides to rehabilitate or rebuild, there will most likely be impacts to the
West U to allow pets at parks, events For all approved recreational and educa- tional events at West University, animals will soon be allowed throughout parks, playgrounds and facilities after City Council adopted the ordinance amendment at an April 28 meeting. The details Events like dog obedience classes or bird sanctuary visits will follow safety standards with city staff coordinating with animal control officers and the police department, according to agenda documents. The item was on the consent agenda April 28 and was approved unanimously. Ordi- nance amendments require two readings with City Council, among other require- ments, before an ordinance can take effect, according to Texas’ local government code.
Project cost options Previous estimate
New estimate
Build new Rehabilitate or replace
+$31.7M
+$49M
-$60M
Decommission*
Cost estimates
SOURCES: CITY OF BELLAIRE, HDR ENGINEERING/COMMUNITY IMPACT *THE EARLIER PROJECTION FOR DECOMMISSIONING THE PLANT ASSUMED THAT BELLAIRE WOULD HAVE TO PAY CASH FOR THE FULL IMPACT FEES TO CONNECT TO HOUSTON, WHILE THE CURRENT PROJECTION ASSUMES A CREDIT TOWARDS IMPACT FEES WITH A LAND SWAP DEAL.
construction costs, she said. What else?
Jones said it would take 3.5 years of designing and construction to either rehabilitate or build a new treatment plant, while decommissioning and connecting to Houston would take 2.5 years.
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