Enhancing Wastewater Infrastructure for Sustainable Growth
Project Overview
The Crystal Falls Phase 2 Water Reclamation project addressed the critical need for expanded wastewater management capacities within the thriving Travisso master-planned community in the Lake Travis watershed. Operating under a stringent Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) non-discharge permit, the project involved significant expansions across multiple facets, including wastewater treatment works, reclaimed water irrigation storage capacity, lift station and reclaimed water pump station. This comprehensive infrastructure project ensured sustainable growth and environmental stewardship for the community.
Specifically, the project encompassed:
- Expansion of wastewater treatment works capacity from 0.25 million gallons daily (MGD) to 0.52 MGD.
- Increase in irrigation storage capacity from 14,000,000 gallons to 29,000,000 gallons.
- Expansion of the main plant lift station capacity from 750 gallons per minute (GPM) to 1,450 GPM.
- Expansion of the irrigation pump station capacity from 1,750 GPM to 3,650 GPM.
Location and Timeline
Located in Travis County, on the western side of the City of Leander, north of FM 1431, the project initially faced a year-long construction process. Despite supply-chain challenges leading to delays, collaborative efforts ensured timely completion, with additional systems scheduled for later installation.
Initial Challenge and Solution
The community’s rapid growth led to escalating wastewater demands. The project’s first phase provided solutions that ensured seamless expansion while optimizing cost-effectiveness. This approach facilitated the augmentation of collection, treatment and disposal capacities, which was crucial for meeting the community’s demands.
GBA’s Involvement
GBA played a pivotal role in spearheading preliminary design aspects of the subdivision infrastructure, including comprehensive master plans for water, wastewater, drainage and transportation improvements. Additionally, GBA undertook phased designs for wastewater collection, treatment and reclaimed water works.
Additional Challenges and Solutions
Navigating rugged topography and adhering to stringent environmental requirements set by the Lower Colorado River Authority demanded innovative solutions and meticulous planning, especially concerning permitting for a no-discharge system.
Unique Aspects
Given its location within the Texas Hill Country and proximity to an endangered species habitat and existing developed communities, the project required a holistic approach that balanced environmental sensitivity with community development needs.
Community Impact
The project’s completion significantly benefits the community by enhancing system capacity to accommodate future growth and increasing the beneficial reuse of treated effluent for irrigating public spaces such as parks, rights-of-ways and the Crystal Falls Golf Course. The team provided sustainable development and environmental stewardship, aligning with the community’s long-term vision for growth and prosperity.
Incorporation of New Project Details
The Travisso master-planned community is a 3,500-home residential development on a 2,000-acre tract in the City of Leander, Texas. The project was facilitated by a comprehensive development agreement that includes three Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) and additional developer rebates. The greenfield project required all new wastewater utility infrastructure, as the area was initially planned for large-lot development with septic systems and lacked city infrastructure.
Key Highlights
- Centralized Wastewater System: GBA (formerly Jay Engineering) was involved from the outset, conducting conceptual master planning and determining the best location for the wastewater treatment facility within the Highland Lakes watershed.
- Siting and Permitting: GBA’s siting analysis led to a Texas Land Application Permit (TLAP) and the development of a non-discharge water reclamation facility with buffers that well exceed regulatory minimums.
- Design and Construction: The facility included a reclaimed irrigation pond, reclaimed water pump station, reclaimed water distribution system and disposal fields with subsurface drip disposal systems (SADDS).
- Stakeholder Coordination: Working collaboratively with stakeholders, enhancements to the proposed project facilitated public support for the project. Enhancements such as designing the plant to the most stringent effluent standards, screenings with decorative walls and gates, sound attenuation provisions, and eliminating operational processes that could cause odors aided in resultant facilities that work with the community.
- Complex Topography: The site’s elevation differences required a complex system of lift stations, gravity mains, low-pressure sewer systems, and buffer zones to meet environmental regulations.
- Endangered Species Habitat: Construction timing was coordinated to avoid nesting seasons for endangered species.
- Odor Control: The project included chemical feed systems and passive activated carbon treatment to control odors due to long detention times. Enhancements at Phase 2 include active odor controls with custom media to minimize potential odors.
Phased Development
The reclaimed water plant’s major elements for the Interim Phase I 0.25 MGD facility included advanced treatment works and solids management systems. A 14 MG irrigation pond and high-pressure pump station were also designed. The common-wall plant design facilitated economic expansion for subsequent phases. The original 0.25 MGD plant was accepted by the City in 2016, with the Interim Phase II 0.27 MGD phase going online recently.
Meeting Tight Deadlines
The project met tight design and construction deadlines, including early completion incentives for the Interim Phase I facility.
By integrating these detailed components, the Crystal Falls project exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to sustainable wastewater management, ensuring environmental protection and community growth for years to come.