The Huntsville City Council authorized $44 million in new spending to expand the Robinson Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant and the McDonald Creek Lift station.
Design for the expansion has already begun and will continue into 2027, according to project officials, with construction tentatively scheduled to begin in summer 2027.
The need for expansion comes as the plant is currently using 62% of its permanent average daily flow of 2.5 million gallons. Since 2021, more than 19 housing developments have been proposed in the Robinson Creek service area, driving up the plant’s demand.
The city is also looking to expand the McDonald Creek Lift station. The lift conveys flow to the Robinson Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant via a 12-inch forcemain. To accommodate anticipated growth from upstream developments, the project will increase the station’s firm capacity from 1.44 MGD to 4.5 MGD.
The city currently has the funds for engineering and design work attached to the project but will likely need to secure future bond financing to complete the construction.
City investments in infrastructure come as Huntsville’s population has increased by nearly 12% since the 2020 census, according to city officials.
Photo by aamir dukanwala from Pexels
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