Durango is pursuing a $58 million rebuild of the wastewater treatment plant in Santa Rita – our most popular recreation space. A recent study showed unaffordable costs of $79 million and $94 million to move the plant. We need an affordable solution.
Durango serves down to High Bridge. South Durango Sanitation District serves south of that, which includes the major growth areas of Three Springs and along La Posta road. The foreseeable growth in our service area is limited to Twin Buttes and in-fill. Durango’s current sewage flow is 2 million gallons per day (MGPD) with a projection of about 3 MGPD in the 2040s. So, a 3 MGPD plant is a viable size.
Non-park sites before High Bridge are closer and can be gravity fed. These sites were not considered because they are less than 10 acres. A plant can be built in under 10 acres. The Santa Rita plant is on less than 10 acres.
The City Council’s objection to studying these sites is that they are likely unavailable. I believe they should be studied to see if they provide an affordable plant. If yes, then approach the landowners.
Adjusting the consultant’s costs to a 3 MGPD plant upriver of High Bridge gives a cost in the low $60 millions versus $58 million for rebuilding. This includes removing the existing plant. This difference is affordable.
A new plant offers advantages. The rebuild takes additional park land. Removing the plant adds over 5 acres. The plant must be rebuilt during around-the-clock operation. Often, remodels cost more than expected. A new plant could be built under a fixed price contract.
A downstream plant will take more time for land and easement acquisition, but Durango has until 2023 to meet new effluent standards. Potential effluent limit violations before completion of a rebuild or new plant will be an issue and needs to be negotiated with the state.
Glenwood Springs moved its plant about three miles downriver in 2012 for $32 million. It can be done. If you support looking at affordable alternatives, let your councilors know.
Dick Reitz
Durango
Editor’s note: Dick Reitz is a chemical engineer with extensive experience in project development and a member of the city of Durango’s Utility Commission.
