Council approves small amendment to sewer-separation study as city nears final feasibility report

Mount Vernon — The council on Wednesday approved a $14,942 amendment to a contract with Wilson Engineering to complete final alternatives analysis for a combined sewer separation feasibility study in the Central Uptown area.

Public works staff said Wilson has been modeling options to separate stormwater and wastewater to reduce flows to the wastewater treatment plant and delay large upgrades. Project manager told council the initial alternatives showed similar costs and the consultant performed additional modeling and regulatory analysis to refine a recommendation. The council approved the final small amendment to allow completion of that work; staff expects to present a final report in October.

Nut graf: The amendment pays for additional engineering and modeling services needed to evaluate secondary alternatives and regulatory implications; staff said the preferred approach at this phase appears to favor a stormwater-focused separation but will return with full findings and recommendations.

Council members asked about coordination with the city’s development services and transportation modeling. Staff said the sewer study will feed into future planning and capital-improvement staging and that a strategic plan will assess phasing and street reconstruction sequencing. The final report will inform future capital decisions and potential code changes.

Ending: Council approved the $14,942 amendment and directed staff to present the final feasibility report to council in October.