Polk County approves $2.9M landfill expansion agreement with Jones Edmonds Associates

The Polk County Board of County Commissioners convened on June 3, 2025, to discuss significant initiatives aimed at enhancing waste management and environmental quality in the region. Two major agreements were proposed during the meeting, focusing on landfill expansion and water quality improvement.

The first item on the agenda was a request to approve an agreement with Jones Edmonds and Associates for professional engineering services related to the Phase 4 landfill cell expansion at the North Central Landfill. The proposed contract, not to exceed $2,940,797.77, is crucial for maintaining the landfill's capacity, which is projected to reach its limit in 2029. The North Central Landfill is the only active solid waste management facility owned by Polk County, making this expansion vital for uninterrupted service to residential and commercial customers. The engineering services will include design, permitting, and construction support, with completion expected by January 2029. The board unanimously approved the agreement, emphasizing the importance of long-term operational availability for the landfill.

The second major discussion involved a proposal to enter into an agreement with AECOM Technical Services to test a proprietary technology aimed at reducing harmful algae blooms in Upper Saddle Creek. This initiative, funded entirely by a state grant of $2,300,000, seeks to improve water quality before it flows into Lake Hancock. The project is part of a broader effort by Polk County to enhance surface water quality and is expected to conclude by the summer of 2027. The board expressed support for the initiative, recognizing its potential environmental benefits.

Overall, the meeting underscored Polk County's commitment to effective waste management and environmental preservation, with both projects poised to have lasting impacts on the community's infrastructure and ecological health.