Council authorizes repairs to wastewater plant clarifiers after equipment failure; cost estimate up to $150,000

The Soda Springs City Council authorized Public Works Director Dan Squire to proceed with repairs and parts purchases after a failure of the north secondary clarifier at the city wastewater treatment plant.

Dan told the council crews discovered severely worn mechanism components and that the design used at the plant is now offered with field-replaceable guide strips and pins but remains costly to replace. He said the north clarifier contained far less packing depth than design specifications indicated and that the south clarifier likely has similar wear because it has operated the same number of hours. Dan recommended replacing mechanisms on both clarifiers and buying spare parts, including a spare power pack.

The vendor quote Dan presented covered both clarifiers and spare parts. Dan estimated a full project contingency and installation could bring total outlays to roughly $125,000–$150,000, with field installation by a contracted crew taking about 5–8 workdays. He recommended proceeding because a dual failure would put the plant at risk of falling out of compliance; the city’s environmental regulator had been notified and did not express immediate alarm but requested updates.

Council moved and seconded a motion to allow Dan to move forward with the repairs; the motion carried by voice vote. Dan said he expects to manage the expense within the current budget but will coordinate with the finance director on any adjustments and noted spare parts lead times could be several months for some items. He also said the plant has remained operational during the work by running on one clarifier but that additional failure would reduce treatment efficiency.

Councilmembers asked about installation logistics, crane requirements and whether contractor options exist regionally. Dan said the vendor will provide field-service startup and that staff will seek local rigging/crane contractors if feasible. The council recorded the authorization and asked staff to return with final contract terms and estimated schedule before work begins.