Sparks OKs $707,025 share of regional wastewater master‑plan update

The Sparks City Council voted Feb. 23 to approve a consulting agreement (AC‑6179) with Corolla Engineers Inc. to update the Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility (TMWRF) master plan. The full contract totals $2,253,926; Sparks’ share is $707,025.22.

Casey Menser, TMWRF treatment plant director, said the update will refresh the 2020 master plan to reflect post‑COVID market conditions and higher construction costs, update the capital improvement program and cost estimates, and evaluate treatment technologies and regulatory risk. "They're going to, effectively do what you could consider to be a sensitivity analysis," Menser said, describing a review of current and potential future regulatory drivers such as PFAS standards, nutrient limits and biosolids disposal practices.

Menser said the scope also includes evaluating regional opportunities beyond an "inside‑the‑fence" approach, asset management, seismic considerations and physical and cybersecurity needs. He said the selection followed a formal request for qualifications involving Sparks, Reno and Washoe County staff and that Corolla was chosen through that process.

Councilmember Anderson asked whether PFAS and tertiary treatment would be part of the regulatory assessment; Menser confirmed they would, saying the effort will identify potential additional improvements and the type of investment that might be warranted under future regulatory conditions.

Councilmember Rabbit moved to approve the consulting agreement and Councilmember Vanderwell seconded. The council approved the item unanimously.

The item is budgeted in the city's current fiscal year capital improvement program, and staff said they would be available for follow‑up questions as planning progresses.