> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.wbrindependent.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Port Allen Moves Closer to New Sewer Plant With $51K in Site Studies - URL: https://www.wbrindependent.com/port-allen-sewer-plant-site-studies-51k-due-diligence/ - Published: 2026-09-09T15:51:44.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-09T15:51:44.000Z - Description: Port Allen is preparing to spend roughly $51,000 on environmental studies and a boundary survey for a 31-acre tract near the parish barn as part of a years-long search for a new wastewater treatment plant site. The city’s purchase agreement puts a 120-day clock on the due diligence process. - Author: John Summers - Tags: Meeting Coverage **PORT ALLEN** — The city is preparing to spend roughly $51,000 on environmental studies and a boundary survey for a 31-acre tract near the parish barn, the next step in a years-long search for a site to build a new wastewater treatment plant. City engineer Tony Arikol and city attorney Evan Alvarez outlined the scope of work at last week's committee meeting, telling council members the studies are designed to identify anything that could make the property unsuitable before the city commits to the purchase. "This is all obviously to protect you," Arikol told the council. "What you hope is they don't find anything in any of these things, but obviously if they do, then you've got to think twice about purchasing the property." The city previously authorized Mayor Terecita Pattan to enter into a purchase agreement with the landowners for the property, priced at $45,000 per acre, or roughly $1.4 million for the full tract. Alvarez said the agreement was expected to be finalized the following morning, putting the city on a 120-day clock to complete its due diligence. ## What the city is testing for Arikol presented proposals covering four areas of study, totaling $38,700: - **Wetlands delineation and protected species**, to determine whether wetlands or species such as the gopher tortoise limit development of the site. Arikol noted these assessments would also be useful if the city pursues federal grant funding for the project. - **Cultural resources survey**, to ensure construction would not disturb archaeological or culturally significant material. - **Phase 1 environmental assessment**, a review of the property's history to check for past contamination, such as former industrial use. The environmental work would be performed by Providence Engineering and Environmental Group, a Baton Rouge-based consulting firm Arikol said the city has used before. A separate boundary survey would bring the total cost to approximately $51,000\. Arikol said no boundary survey currently exists for the property, and one is needed to confirm the city is purchasing the 31 acres it expects. If the Phase 1 assessment turns up environmental concerns, a Phase 2 study, which would be significantly more expensive, would be needed before the city could proceed. ## Title insurance and pipeline questions Alvarez recommended the council also approve title insurance on the property, estimated at roughly $6,000 based on the approximately $1.3 million purchase price. He described it as a safeguard against ownership disputes that could surface after the city invests in construction. "You buy the property, you spend ten million dollars to build a sewer plant, and some heir of the prior seller comes out saying, 'I'm the long-lost heir, I actually own a piece of this property,'" Alvarez said. "Your title insurance insures you against that loss." Arikol also noted that at least one pipeline, believed to be owned by Exxon, crosses the property at a roughly 60-degree angle near the road-side corner. He said the servitude agreements with the pipeline operators will need to be reviewed to determine any building restrictions, but he did not expect the pipeline to be a significant obstacle. ## 120-day window Alvarez emphasized that all of the proposed studies can be completed within the 120-day due diligence period established by the purchase agreement. If any of the studies reveal problems, the city is not obligated to complete the sale. "If something comes out during these tests and these exploratory studies that we feel the property is not suitable for what you intend to use, you can get out of the act of sale," Alvarez said. "You're not obligated to buy the property." Additional studies, including a topographic survey and geotechnical testing, would be needed later if the city moves forward with construction, but those fall outside the current due diligence phase. The council is scheduled to vote tonight on authorizing the title insurance purchase. The environmental studies and boundary survey were not listed as separate action items on the Sept. 9 regular meeting agenda. **The city's aging sewer system has been a top priority for Port Allen officials, who have estimated the new treatment plant project will cost at least $15 million over five years. Earlier this year, city officials reported that only two of the existing plant's five blowers were operational.** ## Also at the committee meeting **Republic Services contract under review.** The city is negotiating a new contract with Republic Services, the company that handles Port Allen's trash collection. Mayor Pattan said this is the first Republic contract she has received since taking office and that city attorneys are reviewing the proposed terms. Council members asked for copies of the tentative agreement before tonight's vote. **Red Cross offers free smoke alarms.** Dr. Cheryl Stanford with the American Red Cross addressed the council, offering free smoke alarm installation for Port Allen residents and training for anyone willing to help operate emergency shelters to FEMA standards. Stanford, who serves as mass care coordinator for the Louisiana region, said the visit was prompted by recent fires in Iberville Parish that killed three people in a single week. Residents who need smoke alarms can contact the Red Cross at no cost. **Fall events.** Mayor Pattan announced Live on the Levee for Thursday, Sept. 10, at the Old Ferry Landing on Court Street, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., featuring Ryan Foret and Foret Tradition, Don Rich, and Rockin' Dopsie. The event is part of WBRZ's "2 On Your Town" week in Port Allen. The 2026 Oldies But Goodies Fest and BBQ Cook-Off follows Sept. 12 and 13 at the WBR Conference Center on North Westport Drive. Nightmare on Court Street returns Oct. 18 at City Hall. **PA High basketball seeks donations.** The Port Allen High girls basketball team's new head coach dropped off a donation request at City Hall asking for help purchasing traveling suits. No dollar amount has been set. Council members indicated donations would be personal rather than from city funds.