Warsaw partners with Tetra Tech for wastewater plant expansion

WARSAW — The Town of Warsaw is beginning a project to expand its wastewater treatment plant, which will require an updated NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permit. To secure this permit, the town is collaborating with Tetra Tech, an environmental consulting firm, to monitor and model the stream where treated wastewater is discharged.

Last week, at the town board monthly meeting, Town Manager Lea Turner addressed questions about Tetra Tech’s modeling plan and requested board approval for Phase 2 of the project.

The modeling plan that they have presented does give multiple sites of testing,” explained Turner. “It is a huge scope of work. However, it is flexible. …They will be working very closely with the state to make sure that we don’t do any extra work than what we absolutely have to have.”

Turner explained the plan’s scope, noting that it involves 12 water monitoring sites, although the number may be reduced based on initial findings. According to Turner, the model being developed will offer a detailed picture of current stream conditions and simulate how projected increases in water flow from the expanded plant could impact the environment.

“It will capture the existing conditions and be able to provide somewhat of a dashboard to trigger different scenarios of impact, to show the impact of proposed flow and what that expansion could look like,” said Turner, noting that they want to make sure they are not doing anything that could harm the creek or “give it more than it can handle.”

According to Turner, some initial sampling has already been conducted, but more data is needed to create a comprehensive model. Tetra Tech will also assist the town in seeking funding resources.

“They had to come in and do test sites initially to find out where we would be best to get this data from, so there has been some sampling that has taken place, but not to the detail of where we can give an accurate model of what the needs are and what the stream will hold for the expansion,” Turner explained.

Commissioner Albert Searles raised concerns about the project’s timing and funding. However, Turner clarified that delaying this step would set back the permitting process by at least a year, which is already expected to take around five years to complete. Once issued, the permit will be valid for five years. She noted that the model can accommodate current and future conditions, making this an optimal time to proceed.

Funding for the project is anticipated to come from grants, surcharges, and payments made by C2 Energy, which had previously reserved sewer capacity with the town and agreed to reimburse it.

“When C2 came on and did a conditional use permit with the town, they promised to pay back capacity because we held capacity for them for such a time,” explained Turner. “And so that would be what would be used to fund this. Their payback and other grant opportunities.”

The board approved the Phase 2 scope of work, allowing Tetra Tech to move forward. The expansion of the town’s wastewater capacity will support future growth and development.

In other business:

• The town officially recognized June 1 as Stand for our Children Day. The resolution highlighted child welfare issues, violence statistics and education disparities.

• DreamWorks reported steady growth in its fitness facility. Community engagement increased through programs like the “Power Challenge,” won by Malik Sharp, pulling a total of 1,370 pounds.

• Security and safety were also briefly discussed. A question was raised about the limited camera coverage at the back of the DreamWorks building, particularly facing Yancey Street. The town manager and fitness center leadership acknowledged the concern and agreed to evaluate whether more cameras should be added.

• The Parks and Recreation Department also shared updates, noting a successful April highlighted by the annual Easter Egg Hunt, which attracted about 250 participants. Preparations for summer events are underway, and interest is already growing, as seen through early calls and sign-ups. The department also attended a chronic disease prevention meeting focused on making recreational spaces tobacco-free. However, concerns were voiced about applying this rule to adult sports leagues, as Warsaw’s programs differ from school-based youth leagues, where such policies may be easier to enforce.

• Lastly, recent camera installations around the ball fields and North Street have improved visibility and safety at recreational areas.