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HRSD Proposes Major Overhaul of Wastewater System

Modern wastewater management facilities under construction

News Summary

The Hampton Roads Sanitation District has introduced a significant proposal aimed at overhauling wastewater management for Urbanna and Saluda. The plan involves redirecting wastewater to West Point, with a timeline extending up to a decade for full implementation due to rising infrastructure costs. Community concerns about delayed sewer services and the impact of this new infrastructure are highlighted as key issues for local leaders.

Hampton Roads Sanitation District Proposes Wastewater System Overhaul Amid Rising Costs

Urbanna, VA – The Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) has unveiled a significant proposal to change the way wastewater is managed in the region, specifically targeting the municipalities of Urbanna and Saluda. If approved, the plan would redirect wastewater from these areas to West Point, and subsequently, to the Williamsburg Treatment Plant. This redevelopment is set in motion due to the escalating costs associated with wastewater infrastructure and treatment services.

Key Details of the Proposal

During a meeting with the Middlesex Board of Supervisors on May 6, HRSD’s chief of planning and analysis, John “Jay” Dano, outlined the plan, which is a critical segment of the Middle Peninsula Master Plan. The proposed project involves laying more than 30 miles of forced main pipes, specifically, 19 miles from Urbanna to West Point along Routes 17 and 33, and an additional 11 miles to connect to an existing forced main in northern James City County.

The anticipated timeline indicates that the connection of the West Point lines to the Williamsburg Treatment Plant could take up to five years. However, connecting the sewage systems from Urbanna and Saluda to the new pipeline at West Point is projected to take at least a decade. Additionally, the delivery of sewer services to Deltaville is expected to take even longer.

Changes to Previous Plans

The updated proposal also takes into account lessons learned from an earlier initiative that was abandoned due to prohibitive costs. Initially, HRSD had considered constructing a 17-mile pipeline from Urbanna to Deltaville that would have crossed underneath the Piankatank River to connect to an existing force main in Mathews. However, this project was halted when construction bids came in at 80% over budget, amounting to nearly $82 million.

Implications of the New Infrastructure

The latest plan aims to eliminate the treatment plants currently located in Urbanna, Saluda, and West Point, streamlining the wastewater management process. The new line from Urbanna to West Point will extend two miles longer than what was originally proposed before the abandonment of the Deltaville pipeline. This extension reinforces HRSD’s commitment to modernizing the region’s wastewater infrastructure in light of rising costs.

Community Concerns

Community representatives have voiced concerns regarding the timeline and support for certain areas, particularly Deltaville. Local leaders have expressed anxiety over the prolonged wait for sewer services, emphasizing that the community feels neglected as discussions continue surrounding broader infrastructure improvements.

Conclusion

The HRSD’s proposed overhaul of the wastewater system marks a pivotal change for Urbanna, Saluda, and the surrounding communities. With a focus on increasing efficiency and addressing rising costs, the project seeks to deliver improved infrastructure, although it faces challenges with community support and funding. The next steps involve continued discussions with local authorities as HRSD seeks to navigate the complexities of wastewater treatment in Hampton Roads.