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. See the most recent numbers presented to the Village Council at the February 2025 Council retreat, below.
The NCDEQ will release a public notice announcing the Village’s permit application. Shortly thereafter, the Village Council will be receiving a project update from its engineers at its annual retreat (tentatively scheduled for February 3 & 4, 2026). Utility rate estimates are also expected to be received around this time. The Village is planning to have a public information meeting on the wastewater treatment plant expansion after the retreat, and when the estimated rate information is available. 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.
At its October 2025 meeting, the Village Council was given an updated cost estimate for the expansion and project timeline. The cost estimate is now $39.5 million with a 4% annual inflationary cost. The construction time went from 18 to 24 months to almost 3.5 years. There was discussion about getting the project started sooner rather than later to avoid the cost increases and working with the Village’s legislative affairs consultants on potential grant opportunities.
Islanders who are interested in this project should tune into the upcoming retreat presentations from McKim and Creed and WithersRavenel. If you cannot attend in person, the video links and recap are published in the Village’s Voice e-newsletter. Past presentations can be viewed on the Village’s YouTube channel. You can access the last few at the bottom of this webpage.
*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.