Spindale Wastewater Collection, Conveyance, and Treatment System by Kurt Wright
Kurt Wright’s presentation on the development and implementation of the Asset Management Plan (AMP) for Spindale, North Carolina, emphasizes teamwork and collaboration in tackling the town’s infrastructure challenges. Once a thriving textile hub, Spindale experienced economic decline due to NAFTA policy shifts, leading to a transition toward a tourism-based economy. Despite maintaining its wastewater system—which includes a 3 million GPD treatment plant, 60 miles of pipe, and 1,200 manholes—the town faced ongoing issues with aging infrastructure, such as clay pipes and brick manholes, which led to infiltration and maintenance difficulties.
In 2012, Kurt sought grant funding for sewer replacements and recognized that an AMP could strengthen funding applications. He secured $50,000 and developed the AMP, prioritizing a $5 million rehabilitation of the 42-year-old wastewater plant. The updated AMP, incorporating findings from three Division of Water Infrastructure projects, now includes sewer assessments, smoke testing, and GIS updates, with a $15 million long-term Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
To address financial constraints, Spindale implemented a 10.18% rate increase, bringing monthly sewer bills to $67.10, while combined water and sewer costs total $122 per household. Wright emphasized how financial modeling ensured balanced rate adjustments while maintaining affordability. Concluding his presentation, he highlighted the AMP’s role in enhancing infrastructure planning and financial stability, stressing the importance of ongoing collaboration and strategic investment in Spindale’s future.
Bio
Kurt Wright, Owner/President, SDG Engineering, Inc
Mr. Wright established his own professional engineering firm in 2002 based in Rutherford County, North Carolina. The corporate mission is to meet client’s requirements by providing quality professional water and wastewater engineering services with solutions for a sustainable environment. Mr. Wright has 36 years of experience in engineering planning, design, project financing (grantsmanship), advertisement/bidding, contract administration, construction management, and startup services for numerous types of projects. Most of Mr. Wright’s experience is with municipal water and wastewater infrastructure. Mr. Wright’s experience with Asset Management began in 2012 with his membership in BAMI-I (Buried Asset Management Institute – International). Mr. Wright was the chief author of the Asset Management Plan for the town of Spindale, NC, which was approved by the state of North Carolina in 2013. He holds a certificate of completion for CTAM 100, 200, 300 & 400, is a Professional Water Asset Manager (PWAM), and contributed to the development of the CTAM 200 and 400 training manuals.