May 2025

Welcome to TRA’s Monthly Newsletter!

With a focus on people, places, processes, and projects, inTRA highlights the faces of TRA, the communities we serve, and the processes and projects that drive the Authority forward in its mission to promote conservation, reclamation, protection, and development of the natural resources of the Trinity River Basin for the benefit of the public. 

On Monday, May 19, the Authority hosted a community meeting for residents of the Briarwyck neighborhood, located next to the Denton Creek Regional Wastewater System.

The meeting aimed to foster open dialogue between the Authority and homeowners, who have faced challenges living near the facility.

Plant Manager Karl Moellering and John Bennett, Northern Region deputy executive manager, presented on the plant’s operations, its role as an environmental steward, and ongoing efforts to reduce odors. They also listened to residents’ concerns and answered questions.



The Authority will continue working closely with the community as improvement projects move forward. Thank you to all who attended.

Central Regional Wastewater System

The board approved an engineering services agreement with Hazen and Sawyer, and Wade Trim, Inc., for work on the Little Bear Creek Interceptor, Segments BC_10 and BC_15. The project will evaluate and improve about 17,600 feet of 12- to 21-inch clay and PVC pipe. It also includes rehab or replacement of four meter stations serving Grapevine, Colleyville, and Bedford.

The board approved an engineering services agreement with Jacobs Engineering Group for preliminary design work on Phase IV Solids Management Improvements. The project will add solids treatment capacity and redundancy to meet projected demand through 2070. Plans include two more thermal hydrolysis units, a fifth digester, and improved dewatering.

Denton Creek Regional Wastewater System

The board adopted Resolution No. R-1689 to execute the Ninth Supplemental Contract, adding Furst Ranch Municipal Utility District No. 1 as a customer.

The board also approved a contract amendment with Black & Veatch for the 5.0 million gallon per day plant expansion. The added funding covers the design of a new influent pump station, expanded screening with coarse and fine screens, and services needed to use Competitive Sealed Proposals for construction.

Mountain Creek Regional Wastewater System

The board approved a first amendment to the engineering services agreement with Garver LLC for the final design of the plant expansion. The project will increase capacity from 3.0 MGD to 9.0 MGD.

Red Oak Creek Regional Wastewater System

The board approved an engineering agreement with K. Friese & Associates for the DeSoto/Glenn Heights Interceptor RBC-4 project. It will replace 9,200 feet of 10- to 15-inch clay and PVC pipe.

The board also approved a first amendment to the engineering agreement with Jacobs Engineering for the plant expansion from 6.0 MGD to 9.0 MGD.

Tarrant County Water Supply Project

The board approved an engineering services agreement with AECOM Technical Services, Inc., for work on the fourth ozone generator and pump station upgrades. The project adds capacity to treat taste and odor issues, replaces aging equipment, and updates two pump stations. The three existing ozone generators will be replaced in future phases.

Walker-Calloway Branch Outfall Trunk Sewer System

The board approved construction, engineering, and materials testing contracts for Phase 4 improvements. The project will replace or repair about 3,000 feet of 27-inch pipe in poor condition due to corrosion.

Huntsville Regional Water Supply System

The board approved an engineering agreement with Plummer Associates for the treatment plant master plan. The project will outline short- and long-term upgrades needed to meet demand through 2075.

The National Association of Clean Water Agencies has recognized five Trinity River Authority of Texas wastewater treatment systems with Peak Performance Awards. The recognition program consists of three categories: Platinum, Gold and Silver. Platinum awards are presented to facilities for complete and consistent National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit compliance.

Cristo Rey Interns Reflect on Year at TRA

Students from Cristo Rey Fort Worth created a presentation to highlight their internship experiences at the Authority. This marks the second year the Authority has partnered with the school to offer hands-on learning in a variety of roles.

Interns Francisco Lopez, Beyonce Abe, Miguel Garcia and Jairo Jimenez handled tasks ranging from data entry and analytics to training support and report preparation.

Lopez said the internship helped him improve his communication and organizational skills. He especially enjoyed shadowing water operators and spending time in the lab. Abe applied her computer skills to spreadsheet analysis and gained a deeper understanding of environmental work.

Garcia helped prepare water reports and coordinate travel. He said the internship gave him valuable exposure to engineering and professional development opportunities. Jimenez supported file management and training programs, which sharpened his focus and problem-solving abilities.

The students thanked Authority staff members Kelly Murphy, Christopher Myrben, Kim Dark, Theodore Chan and Daniella Ineza for mentoring, encouraging and trusting them throughout the year.

Collectively, they said they are proud to intern at the “Best Place to Work in Texas” for 2024.

The Authority’s May outreach efforts focused on building career connections and sparking curiosity about the water and wastewater industry through a series of school visits and professional engagement events.

On May 2, Technical Services and Basin Planning staff participated in Corey Elementary’s “Careers on Wheels” day in Arlington, where students explored watershed protection, pollution prevention, and native Trinity River species through hands-on activities.

On May 16, Scott Kisner, environmental services coordinator, took part in career day at T.E. Baxter Elementary in Midlothian. He introduced students to water industry careers and brought samples from the wastewater treatment process for a show-and-tell experience, helping students visualize the vital work behind clean water.

The Authority also welcomed members of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers for a tour of the Tarrant County Water Supply Project on May 15. These tours help strengthen professional relationships and highlight the engineering expertise that supports our mission.

Through student outreach and professional engagement, the Authority remains committed to inspiring the next generation and promoting the importance of careers in the water industry.

Josh Bale, operator I at TMCRWS , earned his Wastewater Treatment D license.

Randal Hasten, operator II at DCRWS, earned an ABC Operator certification.

Katherine McGee, is interning with the Emergency Management department.

Karen Menard, regulatory resources manager, is celebrating her daughter, Morgan, who is graduating from high school this month. Congratulations, Morgan!

Melissa Travis, chemist at TCWSP, was named Outstanding New Professional by the Texas Water Utilities Association.

Click here to see who has recently joined TRA and who is celebrating a promotion or work anniversary. 

Trinity River Authority of Texas

www.trinityra.org