In order to maintain reliable wastewater treatment to City of Austin customers, Austin Public Works and Austin Water are undertaking a major improvement project within the South Austin Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant. The existing outdoor electrical main 15KV switchgear for the South Austin Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant (SAR WWTP) has underwent deterioration and is in need of replacement.

The existing 15KV switchgear serves predominately the Trains A and B facilities of the plant, as well as areas common to all trains of the plant, such as Lift Station No. 1, Filter Building, Water Reuse, Dechlorination Building, and Administration Building. The gear also presents maintenance concerns. The gear is outdated and its replacement electrical components are difficult to procure or unavailable. Due to the corrosion and deterioration of the gear, the gear also presents a safety concern for electrical maintenance personnel working on the gear.

CIP ID 3333.032

Construction Time Frame

Construction Phase: July 2020 – January 2024
Dates are projected as accurately as possible, but are subject to change.

Project Scope

  • Prepare the site for drainage and water treatment controls.
  • Construction of a new electrical building with new equipment and air quality systems.
  • Construct new feeder duct banks throughout the site to deliver power to existing systems.
  • Construct water treatment ponds for environmental protection.
  • Connect new systems to Austin Energy services and transfer from existing. 

Project Area

Work for this project will be limited to City-owned property at the South Austin Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Neighborhood Impact

  • Construction for this project is confined within the plant and adjacent City-owned buffer area; there are no neighborhoods nearby so impacts are expected to be limited.
  • Contractor will adhere to the City's noise ordinance, but typical construction noise can be expected within approved working hours from trucks and equipment.

Funding

  • Name of CWSRF (Clean Water State Revolving Fund) administering agency: Texas Water Development Board
  • Partially funded by CWSRF (Clean Water State Revolving Fund)

Contacts

  • Gary P. Jackson, Project Manager, Public Works  
    512.974.7115
    Email Gary
  • Matthew Scharf, Engineer, Austin Water
    512.972.0258
    Email Matthew