County to seek bids to remove old legal dump at Off-Channel Reservoir; grant to pay initial work

County staff presented an agenda item to solicit bids for cleanup of a historic legal dump on the southern end of the Off-Channel Reservoir parcel. The site was described as about one acre and containing debris including old vehicle bodies; staff said the work is funded by the 2019 Streamflow Ecology Grant.

Brianna (staff presenter) said the cleanout will be sequenced so debris removal and disposal come first, followed by soil testing. If testing shows contamination above allowable levels, additional soil remediation would be required; staff estimated a worst-case total cost in the range of $47,500 for remediation beyond debris removal, with a lower cost (~$8,500–$9,000) estimated for initial soil testing.

The timeline presented anticipates that, if the board approves putting the project to bid, the bid packet will be posted on the county website with responses due no later than April 29. Staff said they expect to execute a contract in May 2025 and to complete debris removal and related work over the summer. Presenters encouraged local contractors to bid because the job is relatively low cost and suitable for local firms.

Staff clarified the dump sits on the southern edge of the reservoir parcel and not in the reservoir footprint; the immediate work will focus on surface debris removal and soil testing rather than deep excavation tied to other construction. Commissioners had no substantive objections; staff said they will put the bid package on the county procurement page and bring contract award to the board at a future meeting.