ANRA to improve water resources in East Texas

The Angelina and Neches River Authority (ANRA) is planning to start a new project in the Huntington area as part of its efforts to improve and protect water resources in East Texas, US.

The project will improve wastewater treatment along the Highway 69 corridor and extend through to Huntington, reports The Lufkin News.

ANRA officials, Huntington city and local business are looking at the possibility to form partnerships, which will increase efficiency in the overall wastewater plant operations and help further growth and economic development in the area.

The authority is planning to merge Huntington city’s wastewater treatment facility with other wastewater treatment facilities to form a single, large regional facility, which will be owned by the authority.

Currently, the organisation is conducting studies to determine the feasibility of the project, as well as engaging with financial advisors and engineering consultants to review the project details and provide necessary determinations, which will be useful for decision-making.

The authority will also work in collaboration with the Texas Commission on environmental quality, with regard to the evaluation of permitting issues and close examination of procedures for new permits.

ANRA officials said that the project’s success will depend on capital expenditures, permitting approvals and partnership endorsements. The project is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2012.

ANRA’s territorial jurisdiction covers 8,500 square miles and focuses on water resource development, water quality management, water conservation and industrial pre-treatment programmes. It also covers environmental monitoring programmes for water quality as well as water/wastewater sample collection and testing programmes.