As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over Oxnard City Hall, the City Council convened to address a pressing infrastructure need. Tim Beeman, Assistant Director of Public Works, took center stage to present a significant agreement with Hazen and Sawyer, aimed at enhancing the city’s effluent pump station—a crucial component of its wastewater management system.

Beeman outlined the proposal for a five-year contract, set to run from September 15, 2025, to September 15, 2030, with a total budget not exceeding $2,415,738. This investment is earmarked for professional engineering and consulting services to improve the aging pump station, originally built in the 1970s. The need for replacement was highlighted in the 2017 Public Works Integrated Master Plan, which identified the facility as requiring urgent upgrades.

The effluent pump station plays a vital role in transporting treated wastewater from chlorine contact tanks to the ocean outfall. Beeman noted that previous assessments indicated that refurbishing the existing structure would trigger costly seismic retrofits, making replacement the more viable option. The current pumps, a mix of electric and gas-powered engines, have reached the end of their operational life, with the gas-powered units no longer supported by manufacturers.

In preparation for this project, the city released a request for proposals in March 2025, inviting firms to submit their qualifications. After a thorough evaluation process, which included interviews and assessments based on criteria such as project experience and approach, Hazen and Sawyer emerged as the top contender.

The scope of work outlined for the project includes a comprehensive review of existing data, a preliminary design report, and detailed construction plans. Additionally, the engineering team will provide support throughout the construction phase, addressing any unforeseen challenges that may arise.

With funding secured from the wastewater capital fund, the council's approval of this agreement marks a significant step forward in ensuring the reliability and efficiency of Oxnard's wastewater management system. As the meeting concluded, the council members expressed their commitment to maintaining the city’s infrastructure, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future for the community.