Newberry Facing Wastewater Challenge Amid Rapid Growth

NEWBERRY ‒ At the Dec. 9, 2024, Newberry City Commission meeting, City Manager Mike New addressed a pressing concern: the city’s current wastewater treatment facility is nearing capacity due to sustained growth.

“At the rate we are approving development, the wastewater treatment facility will reach capacity in four years,” New stated. To address this, the City has proposed constructing a new advanced wastewater treatment plant with a capacity of 1.2 million gallons per day—double the current capacity.

The total estimated cost for the design and construction of the new facility is $88 million. So far, the City has secured $27,209,848 in funding, with an additional $14,935 coming from the City of Archer, a partner in the project.

New outlined the proposed usage of the new facility’s capacity:

• 300,000 gallons/day (25%) for existing customers.
• 175,000 gallons/day (15%) allocated to Archer.
• 725,000 gallons/day (60%) designated for new development.

With a current growth rate of 200 building permits per year, New estimated the facility would serve the city for 15 years. If the pace of development slows, it could extend the plant’s utility up to 30 years.

To manage the strain of rapid development, New discussed development agreements with builders to secure wastewater capacity. Developers were presented with four options to consider.:

1. Option 1 allows for upfront payment: Developers can pay for their wastewater capacity at the current rate, locking in lower costs as rates increase over time.
2. Option 2 allows for an Installment Plan: Developers pay system development charges in installments: 25% upon agreement execution, three additional payments of 20% at 60-day intervals, and the final 15% upon service availability. This option guarantees proportional capacity based on the amount paid.
3. Option 3 is based on a Per-Use Payment Plan: Developers pay charges for each Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) placed into service, with a minimum annual payment of 10% of the total ERUs requested over a 10-year period.
4. Option 4 allows for a Surety Bond: Similar to Option 3, developers guarantee their minimum annual ERU commitment by issuing a surety bond, ensuring they will meet their building obligations.

While the wastewater treatment presentation was the main topic of the commission meeting, no vote was taken. New emphasized the importance of long-term planning, stating that the advanced treatment facility would not only support Newberry’s growth but also provide a sustainable solution for decades to come.

“The advanced treatment facility will likely last 15 years at the current pace of growth,” New explained. “If permit numbers slow down, the plant could last up to 30 years.”

The Commission is expected to revisit the topic in future meetings, as the City works to balance the demands of growth with the need for sustainable infrastructure solutions.

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