Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion
As the island approaches over 65% percent development*, the Village is looking closely at the average flow at its wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The State of North Carolina’s 80/90 rule (15A NCAC 02T.0118) ensures that treatment facilities do not exceed their hydraulic treatment capabilities. The rule details what actions must be taken when treatment plants reach average flows of 80 percent and/or 90 percent of their permitted capacity, based on the average flow during the last calendar year.
- When a system meets the 80 percent capacity, a milestone is reached, and that system needs to engage in a design expansion. When the 90% milestone is reached, the system must be under contract for plant expansion to be compliant with NC Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) requirements. At this point, the engaged utility must submit proof that it is developing the engineering plan for its future wastewater treatment, utilization, and disposal needs. The Village engaged in this process in 2020.
- Prior to exceeding 90 percent capacity, a utility shall obtain all permits needed for the expansion of the wastewater treatment plant, utilization, or disposal system and submit final plans, specifications, and a State approval permitting letter to proceed for the WWTP expansion, including a construction contract. The Village’s permit package was to be submitted at the end of November 2025. If these required actions are not taken when a utility reaches capacity, a moratorium on sewer line extensions shall be imposed by the NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), which means no new homes will be built.
The Village of Bald Head Island bases its averages, not on the year prior, like the State does, but on prior peak months of usage, which are the months of June, July, and August. Eighty percent capacity is 240,000 gallons per day. Ninety percent capacity is 270,000 gallons per day. Historical data on average flows can be viewed below.
The Village Council received a project update from its engineers at its annual retreat on February 3, 2026. You can view a recording of the presentation HERE and the presentation slides HERE. Future utility rate estimates were also presented at the retreat (video HERE, slides HERE). Rate structure changes were recommended for FY27 along with a 5% water, sewer, and surcharge rate increases for FY27 and FY28-36.
Below is a slide presented at the February 2026 retreat showing the construction costs.
Below is a slide presented at the February 2026 retreat showing the estimated construction schedule (Slide 10 HERE).
The Village is planning to have a public information meeting on the wastewater treatment plant expansion in the future. Details of this public meeting will be published in the Village’s Voice e-newsletter, e-blast announcements, flyers at Village Hall, Island Package Center & Post Office, and social media.
Permit Update
On July 2, 2026, the Village’s engineering firm, McKim & Creed announced in a media release (HERE) that it has secured the first AquaNereda® reclaimed water permit in North Carolina on behalf of the Village of Bald Head Island. This project will bring next-generation, energy-efficient aerobic granular sludge technology to our community.
Included in the media release was the following joint statement by Public Services Director J.P. McCann and Village Manager Chris McCall:
“The issuance of the draft permit for the Village’s wastewater treatment plant expansion marks a significant milestone after years of planning, collaboration and technical innovation. We’re grateful to the McKim & Creed team for leading the engineering design and permitting process, and to Aqua-Aerobic Systems for its continued technical support, staff training and partnership throughout this project.
This achievement positions the Village to become home to what is believed to be North Carolina’s first permitted AquaNereda® non-discharge wastewater treatment facility. The expanded system will provide a more efficient, resilient and environmentally sustainable approach to wastewater treatment while helping protect the unique coastal resources that define Bald Head Island for generations to come.”
Receiving the draft permit from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) moves the Village into a “shovel-ready” position so that when the time is right, the Village is ready to solicit bids for the construction of the expansion project.
*The island is currently between 60-65% developed; however, the capacity of the treatment plant during peak usage times is a determining factor in responsibly assessing the need for expansion.