Seal Beach delays Lampson well construction award after bids exceed early estimates

Council members delayed final approval of a construction contract for the Lampson Well treatment system on Sept. 8 after bids came in far higher than earlier cost estimates and a bid protest challenged the apparent low bidder. Deputy Public Works Director/City Engineer David Cho told the council the project will treat hydrogen sulfide at the Lampson Well so the well can be returned to regular use. The project is part of CIP WT 19‑02; Cho said the contaminant "H2S does not pose a health risk," but it produces "nuisance issues like odor and taste," and treating water at the source would strengthen the city's local supply. He said six bids were received and staff, in consultation with the city attorney, found the apparent low bid nonresponsive because it omitted key treatment tanks and filter media the specification required. Staff recommended awarding the contract to the next lowest responsive…