South and East Reach: Public Input Sought Before Waste Water Study

The Greens Bayou Corridor Coalition is exploring whether there is enough interest and commitment to pursue an in-depth study of waste water treatment facilities near the ship channel. 

Currently, the unincorporated areas of Harris County near the ship channel lack access to a waste water treatment facility. Because of this, companies operating in the area are required to handle waste water treatment on site through septic systems or package plants.  The lack of infrastructure creates a burden for existing companies and hampers efforts to attract business to the area. 

 The widening of the Panama Canal in 2013 will bring more cargo ships into the port and potentially more growth to the region.  This growth may not be possible without adequate infrastructure.  

The Economic Alliance Houston Port Region, Gulf Coast Waste Disposal Authority, Harris County Precinct 2 and the Port of Houston Authority will help fund the study. Those agencies are working with the Coalition to narrow the defined area of study.  Industry leaders will determine the final boundaries, which could include up to 21,000 acres of land.

A study of the minimum area will cost approximately $100,000 and could reach $400,000.

The study will look at what waste water facilities are currently in the area, if those facilities can be expanded to become part of a regional system, how many additional plants will need to be constructed and where they should be built. The Gulf Coast Waste Disposal Authority has agreed to be the lead applicant for a grant by the Texas Water Development Board, which would fund the study.

If you have thoughts or comments about this issue please call Regina Lindsey at 281 874-2137, or email her at rlindsey@greenspoint.org.