The Northwest Water Treatment Plant in Brunswick County is experiencing delays beyond its original completion deadline of late 2024. Despite these setbacks, the project, which aims to address clean drinking water and accommodate rapid population growth, is approximately 85% complete. The county plans to impose liquidated damages on the contractor due to the extended timeline. Chairman Mike Forte acknowledged the frustration among residents, emphasizing the importance of patience to ensure the project's success. The plant's expansion will significantly increase water treatment capacity and introduce advanced reverse osmosis technology, crucial for reducing PFAS contamination.
Construction on the Northwest Water Treatment Plant began in 2020 when Brunswick County awarded a $122.6 million contract to Oscar Renda Contracting. This ambitious project has been in development for over 15 years, with earlier phases completed in 2010 and 2015. In 2017, concerns about cancer-linked PFAS chemicals found in the Cape Fear region's drinking water prompted a reevaluation of the final phase. Since then, efforts have focused on enhancing water purification methods to protect public health. The contractor now estimates that expanded capacity will be operational by early spring, with the reverse osmosis system following suit by late spring.
The project's primary goals are twofold: ensuring a reliable supply of clean drinking water and supporting the county's growing population. Brunswick County's population was estimated at 159,964, with utilities serving over 300,000 people during peak seasons. To meet this demand, the plant's conventional treatment capacity will double from 24 million gallons per day to 48 million gallons per day, while reverse osmosis treatment will handle 36 million gallons daily. These upgrades are essential for maintaining water quality and addressing environmental concerns.
In addition to expanding water treatment capabilities, the project includes a discharge pipeline to transport concentrate to the Cape Fear River. Funded by revenue bonds totaling $167.3 million, the project received a significant $74 million loan from the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act in 2018. Alongside legal actions against chemical manufacturers DuPont and Chemours for PFAS contamination, Brunswick County remains committed to safeguarding its water resources and residents' well-being.
Despite delays, the Northwest Water Treatment Plant project continues to make steady progress toward completion. The enhanced facilities will not only improve water quality but also support the county's expanding population. Residents can look forward to a more secure and sustainable water supply as the project nears its finish line. The county's dedication to thorough and effective project management underscores its commitment to long-term solutions for clean water and environmental protection.