City of Corpus Christi officials have given their blessing for staff to potentially explore two more water projects — but not before a roiling, nearly three-hour discussion that several City Council members referred to as a “circus.”
At its conclusion, though, the majority supported future evaluation of a new desalination plant proposal — this one suggested to be sited near the Barney Davis Power Plant — and opening the doors to negotiations for a new Nueces County groundwater project, this one southeast of the city.
At the center of the debate had been whether either of the projects should have been brought to the council in somewhat nascent forms, neither having formal business proposals prepared or the initiatives vetted by the city staff.
Some council members supported the idea of having early talks in an open forum, with any of its members having the right to bring projects forward, while others criticized a process in which unscreened proposals had been put on the agenda at the will of select council members, contributing to community confusion.
More groundwater
The majority of the council gave the nod for the staff to negotiate a water sales purchase agreement for a brackish groundwater project proposed by Seven Seas Water Group, planned for about 22,000 acres at Chapman Ranch.
Production under an early concept would be at least 10 million gallons of potable water per day, but it is expected the final version would bring as much as 20 million gallons per day into the system, according to documents.
A representative of Seven Seas, a nationally recognized water provider, pointed out to the council that land and financing have been lined up for the project.
However, officials said, further study is needed.
There hasn’t been hydrogeologic analysis for the site and no permits attained, said Nick Winkelmann, Corpus Christi Water chief operating officer.
Staff is expected to further evaluate a formal business proposal, which would provide greater detail on plans, before potentially pursuing an agreement.
The contract, if brokered, would need to return to the council for approval.
More desalination
A new desalination proposal promising future development of a plant with capacity of as much as 150 million gallons of treated water per day generated significantly more contention among council members.
The plans — which propose a site near the Barney Davis Power Plant — are being pitched by AXE H20, a company formed in March comprising largely former high-ranking military leadership, according to documents.
The concept would be for the company to privately develop a facility, selling water to the city under a take-or-pay agreement.
Questions raised among council members included the extent of experience in water delivery, financing available and budgets.
No site is currently under contract, according to officials.
Some council members questioned whether AXE officials had been in close discussions with the owner of the plant property, the San Antonio-based electrical provider CPS Energy.
The council had voted in March to collaborate with CPS on proposals to potentially develop a desalination plant adjacent to the power plant. Under early talks, that would be handled as a private-public partnership.
A CPS spokeswoman didn’t directly address whether the agency had been in discussions with AXE in a May 5 email to the Caller-Times, but stated that company leaders welcomed “the opportunity to engage with local leaders and remain committed to working together in a productive manner.”
“Any potential collaboration would be carefully evaluated with our customers’ best interests in mind,” wrote Dana Sotoodeh.
The majority of the council gave the green light for the staff to evaluate a business proposal, should AXE bring one forward.
Kirsten Crow covers city government and water news. Have a story idea? Contact her at kirsten.crow@caller.com.
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Corpus Christi leaders are exploring more water projects
Reporting by Kirsten Crow, Corpus Christi Caller Times / Corpus Christi Caller Times
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