An update on the expansion of the Moore County wastewater treatment plant was discussed at a recent work session of the Moore County commissioners.

Fred Hobbs of the Hobbs, Upchurch & Associates engineering firm reviewed expansion plans and cost estimates on the county-owned wastewater treatment plant.

Although the plant is not presently operating at capacity, Hobbs reminded the board that state law requires sewage treatment plants to be in the planning stage for expansion when they reach 80 percent capacity and in construction when it hits 90 percent capacity.

The Moore County plant had an average daily flow of 4.5 million gallons a day in 2008, operating at 67 percent capacity.

The plant has a capacity of 6.7 million gallons a day and expansion projections call for the new facility to have a capacity of 10 mgd, a size that should be adequate for another 20 years.

Hobbs reminded the board that the present plant is 30 years old and has a number of original components that are rapidly wearing out and in need of replacement.

If and when the expansion is carried out, the debt service will be borne by customers through user fees. It was estimated that the increase will be $12 to $13 per resident using 5,000 gallons a month.

The plant, built in 1977, was designed to accommodate Southern Pines, Aberdeen and Pinehurst. It now also serves Pinebluff, Carthage, Addor, Camp Mackall and outlying areas.