The Texas State Aquarium recently hosted a significant gathering as over 200 professionals convened in Corpus Christi to hear about the city’s ambitious plan for a $700-million desalination plant. This event marked a pivotal moment for Corpus Christi, aiming to set a new benchmark in the city’s infrastructure development and environmental management efforts.
Josh Chronley, the city’s chief procurement officer, emphasized the importance of diversity and competition among firms for the project. “We hope to bring firms from all levels and experiences together so the city can get adequate competition on this project,” Chronley stated. This approach is designed to ensure the best possible outcome for the desalination plant and foster a competitive environment that could lead to more innovative and efficient solutions.
Among the attendees was Ruben Munoz, a civil engineer with CDM Smith, a Boston-based engineering and construction firm. Munoz brings a wealth of experience working on global desalination projects from Chile to Jordan. A primary concern he highlighted was the potential ecological impact of reintroducing salt into the bay through the desalination process. Munoz explained, “The brine that is coming to the sea — it’s the same salt that you have in the ocean. And then with a diffuser, you just dilute it, and you can comply with the regulation.” This perspective offers a reassurance that, with proper management, the environmental impact can be minimized.
Supporting Munoz’s view, Tom Pankratz, a Houston-based desalination expert with 40 years of experience, also weighed in on the environmental concerns. Pankratz, who publishes a weekly water desalination report for Global Water Intelligence, agreed that adherence to industry standards should mitigate environmental risks. “I have been in the industry for 40 years, and while they do have an impact, it’s generally proven to be minimal,” he remarked. His participation underscored the project’s significance and potential to set precedents for desalination efforts in the United States.
The gathering wasn’t just about addressing environmental concerns; it was also a platform for networking and sharing updates on global desalination efforts. “One of the first things they usually ask about regarding desal in the US is what’s happening in Corpus,” Pankratz shared, highlighting the project’s wide-reaching interest and its potential to keep industry professionals worldwide informed.
Peter Zanoni, Corpus Christi City Manager, expressed optimism about the collaborative potential among the contractors present. He anticipates that a design/build firm will be selected seven months after the event, marking the next major milestone in bringing the desalination project to fruition.
This meeting at the Texas State Aquarium was not just a routine gathering but a significant event that showcased Corpus Christi’s commitment to addressing its water needs through innovative solutions. With environmental and technical experts weighing in on the project’s feasibility and impact, the city is poised to embark on a journey that could serve as a model for sustainable water management practices globally. The involvement of experienced professionals and the focus on minimizing ecological impacts reflect a conscientious approach to tackling the challenges associated with desalination, setting a precedent for future projects in the industry.