Wastewater operator warns of expensive long-term control options; generators ordered for critical sites

The city's chief wastewater operator reported minimal local damage from the recent storm but outlined ongoing infrastructure needs and regulatory work. Staff resubmitted long-term control plan drafts to the EPA and noted that one full capture-and-treatment approach would be costly—"you're looking at $55,000,000," the operator said as an example of scale. The city is exploring phased stormwater-separation projects and alternative approaches to limit immediate cost exposure.

Wastewater staff also flagged resilience gaps: five locations currently have no standby generators, and the city ordered a 155-kilowatt generator for the Cherokee site with an expected delivery timeline of about 20 weeks. Staff plan in-house installation of platforms and are using portables as interim measures. The operator said the city continues to seek grant funding for additional generator installations and other infrastructure work.