Times: Hercules, Pinole try to clear the air about wastewater future

— by Jeffrey Wisniewski — 14 May 2009 — Comments Off

Obviously I’m biased on the subject, but Pinole’s view that the only solution is to keep the wastewater treatment plant in Pinole active (thereby requiring costly upgrades) is quite silly. The alternative to transfer to the West County Wastewater District (WCWD) makes sense for the growth expected in Hercules, and provides the City of Pinole a priceless and unique opportunity to redevelop its waterfront. The main issue facing Pinole is financial, since Hercules basically keeps the aging plant in business.

Pinole officials were upset over recent statements suggesting Hercules had pretty much decided to divert its wastewater to another agency. A posting on Hercules’ Web site says: “Transfer of the city’s flows to West County Wastewater District is the most viable option.”

[...]

Hercules City Manager Nelson Oliva assured the Pinole delegation that Hercules has made no such decision. But doubts about the plant’s ability to accommodate Hercules’ future growth have compelled his city to explore possible alternatives, Oliva said.

“I don’t feel the comfort level that we have enough capacity,” Oliva said. “I don’t want to face a moratorium (on development) because I don’t have enough wastewater capacity.”

[Read the full report at the Contra Costa Times.]