The effort to create sewers in Freeland has taken a small step forward.

Last week, Freeland Water and Sewer District commissioners authorized the creation of a draft purchaser’s agreement for an approximately 24-acre property between Highway 525 and Scenic Avenue. The land would be the future home of a wastewater treatment plant that would serve sewers proposed for about 77 acres of commercial property in Freeland’s urban center.

The land is owned by Jerry Stonebridge, and is directly adjacent to the district’s wells and the affordable housing development Sunny View Village, which is currently under construction.

Commissioner Lou Malzone, who serves as the board’s president, said the purchase of the property is contingent on several conditions built into the agreement, namely the results of future ground testing.

“The hydrogeological study is really the key,” Malzone said. “If the property is suitable, then it becomes, ‘What’s the price?’ ”

According to District Manager Andy Campbell, the ground testing is expected to cost $66,000, an estimate provided by Gray & Osborne, the district’s contracted engineering firm.

The board’s decision also authorized Campbell to seek cost estimates for an appraisal of the property, which must be brought back to the board for action.