Expenditures focus on water quality, reliability, environmental protection
Staff reports
The Board of Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority (BJWSA) approved more than $110,709,021 in water and wastewater projects at its August meeting. BJWSA is accelerating infrastructure investments to meet regulatory requirements, meet demands driven by growth and replace aging infrastructure.
“BJWSA is committed to the provision of water and wastewater services to our current and future customers in the Lowcountry,” BJWSA General Manager Verna Arnette said in a news release. “That mission requires us to replace aging equipment, grow with our population and adapt to new regulations.”
Projects moving forward include:
- Expanding the Cherry Point Water Reclamation Facility from a capacity of 7.5 million gallons per day (MGD) to 11.25 MGD. Guaranteed maximum price in the amount of $107.3 million.
- Replacing dilapidated undersized sewer lines along various streets in the City of Beaufort. Investment for this project: $1,055,640.
- Hiring a consultant to design a flow equalization plan between the Cherry Point Water Reclamation Facility and the Hardeeville Water Reclamation Facility. This project will improve efficiency at the treatment plants and several pump stations. Investment for this stage of the project: $2,153,457.
- Hiring a consultant to evaluate feasibility, design and conduct a pilot test for the removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other compounds collectively known as forever chemicals. This is an early step to meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency mandates announced this Spring. Investment for this stage of the project $1,150,000; partially funded by grants.
The Authority has identified more than $590 million in needed projects to be executed over the next several years.
