Sean Wright, Public Works director, told commissioners the county plans a major expansion of the landfill gas-collection system and recommended awarding a bid to Glacier Environmental Services for $1,490,176.49 to install 20 vertical wells and associated piping.

Wright described the wells as three feet in diameter with an average depth of about 110 feet and the deepest about 150 feet; the project includes approximately 18,000 feet of piping. "This is really our first expansion into the vertical well system for the landfill," Wright said, noting vertical wells are industry standard for long-term gas extraction where horizontal wells can degrade after settling.

Roger Mower, senior engineer on the project, explained the construction: a 6‑inch perforated conveyance pipe runs down the well center, surrounded by gravel, with vacuum applied to pull landfill gas into the system for combustion at county flares. Some wells will include pumps to extract leachate to the county's leachate-management system.

Wright also said staff will post a request for proposals for landfill gas‑management services; the present services contract (executed in 2022) is ending. He said the last procurement produced about five bidders and that prior three‑year spending for these services has ranged from roughly $1 million to $2 million depending on scope, which in past procurements included design, periodic reporting and third‑party verification.

Public Works also reported a first and final change order on a road‑striping contract for $10,586 for additional striping work totaling 28.5 miles; staff said the contractor completed the work at original bid unit prices and the county was pleased with improved paint appearance and glass‑bead application.

Ending

Wright said project documents and the RFP for gas management services will be in the agenda packet for the board meeting and staff will return with contract documents and schedule details as procurement moves forward.