With the rapid growth of Navasota comes more in depth look at utilities in town, and how to better improve them to meet the rate of population increase.
At the most recent city council meeting, Mark Rudolph from Strand Associates presented some of their findings after months working a gas modeling project in town. Research centered around Pecan Lakes, which is still in building phases, and how that will affect the system once complete.
“Worst case, you are looking at pressures of about 5 psi in some areas, without any improvements being made,” said Rudolph. “So, that is definitely an indication that if this side of town does not get help, they would experience issues in a peak demand situation.”
During his presentation, Rudolph mentioned four possible options, ranging from cheap, short term fixes, to a large $1.3 million dollar overhaul. While the best option may not come cheap, it would set the city up for even more expansion in the future.
“The ultimate recommendation is to take the high pressure line from the industrial park, with a regulator station, to provide additional resources for Pecan Lakes. However, if the city wants to go with the shorter term cheaper fix, the first two options would be a much cheaper way for providing immediate help,” said Rudolph.
They also looked at potential new developments on Highway 90, but they had no impacts on the city gas system at full completion.
The city council took no action, and will review all the options before making a decision.
