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Friends of the River (FOR) San Bernard continues to be heavily involved in efforts to resolve this issue. On Tuesday, January 11, Tom Ronayne, FOR board member, met with Brazoria mayor Roger Shugart and Brazoria city manager Mike Collard, along with Strand Associates, the city's engineering firm, LJA Engineering, a firm brought in by FOR and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services waste treatment expert, Ricky Clinton.  

 

The group established a goal of providing significant temporary improvement of the plant's efficiency by April, prior to warm weather recreation in the river, and, while waiting for permanent major renovation of the plant to complete in 2023. Specialized equipment is needed to improve aeration of the sewage coming into the plant, and that equipment may require upgrades to the plant's electrical system. Strand, LJA, a Phillips Refinery waste treatment expert, plus others, are searching for the needed equipment. Strand will provide the city with the name of an electrical contractor to evaluate the plant's capabilities.

 

That evening, at the Brazoria City Council meeting,  FOR directors Bebe Vasquez, Kevin Henry and Ronayne, along with several other river residents, reiterated to the council the unacceptable condition that exists and the urgent need to find, fund and implement mitigation. Roughly 30 other residents were in attendance to lend their support. At this time, all parties appear to be working diligently to find a solution.

 

Read Jan 1, 2022 web article "Sludge in the San Bernard"