Henderson County picks rebuilt plant at Etowah site over regional hookup with Hendersonville

Henderson County commissioners selected Option 2 on July 15: a full replacement and expansion of the Etowah wastewater treatment plant at the current site, with staff authorized to negotiate a design agreement with WithersRavenel and to continue seeking remaining funding.

WithersRavenel and staff presented six options and cost comparisons. After review and additional adjustments suggested by Chairman William Lapsley—removal of a previously budgeted temporary treatment plant and the addition of needed property acquisitions—the revised capital estimate for the County-built Option 2 was presented at about $20.5 million. The board was told about $12.7 million in grant funds currently available, leaving a balance the county would need to finance.

Commissioners contrasted Option 2 with Option 6, which would regionalize treatment by connecting Etowah to the City of Hendersonville. County staff reported a one‑time city allocation/capacity fee of about $1.38 million and a projected annual treatment charge that could add roughly $623,376 per year at current outside‑city rates (125,000 gallons per day × $13.37 per 1,000 gallons). The city letter supplied to the county limited initial capacity to the current Etowah flow and did not commit additional capacity for future growth.

Chairman Lapsley noted the county would need additional land to expand the existing site and discussed the possibility of purchasing adjacent parcels (the record lists three adjoining parcels totaling about 1.75 acres, cost estimates roughly $340,000) or, if necessary, using condemnation under eminent domain if negotiations failed. The board also considered life‑cycle replacement timing and present‑worth comparisons supplied by the county engineer and the consultant.

On a recorded motion to proceed with Option 2 and to authorize the County Engineer to negotiate with WithersRavenel for design, permitting and bid assistance, the board voted unanimously to approve Option 2, with the understanding staff will continue to pursue grant funding and finalize property acquisition details.

Next steps include finalizing a design agreement with WithersRavenel, continuing funding efforts, and returning to the board with a negotiated contract and schedule.