Board approves $3.5 million design agreement to cut overflows at water pollution control facility

The Board of Sanitary Commissioners voted March 5 to approve a $3,500,000 professional services agreement with Thailand (formerly Greeley and Hansen) to design upgrades at the district’s water pollution control facility, part of the district’s long-term control plan to reduce combined-sewer overflows.

"We have about 37 overflows there at the plant on a fairly annual basis," said Mr. Clark, president of the Board of Sanitary Commissioners. "Basically, we're trying to reduce those down to 8. Eight is the number that the state said is sort of okay, so that's where we're going." The contract will fund alternatives analysis and preliminary design aimed at meeting that target and modernizing aging plant systems.

Commissioners said the work will be financed from a bond anticipation note. The board also approved a related task order (task order number 3) for the same firm in the amount of $35,800 to cover regulatory assistance, preliminary design verification and contract updates the firm completed at the district’s request.

Mr. Clark summarized the scope: the consultant will provide regulatory assistance, alternatives analysis for capacity and overflow reduction, and design services to modernize plant facilities. The district expects multiple alternatives and a recommendation intended to balance capital cost and operational performance.

Why it matters: The facility serves the district’s collection system and frequent overflows can trigger regulatory concern and community impacts. The work is part of a longer-term plan to reduce overflows and improve treatment reliability.

Board action: Commissioners moved, seconded and approved the professional services agreement and the task order; no commissioners recorded opposition.