Committee advances sole‑source purchase for calcium nitrate odor control up to $300,000

The Public Works Committee Aug. 11 recommended forwarding to full council an ordinance authorizing a sole‑source purchase order arrangement with Evoqua Water Technologies LLC to supply a proprietary calcium‑nitrate solution (marketed as Bioxide) for odor control at city wastewater facilities.

Amanda Bagwell, Water Utilities engineering manager, said the solution is injected at wet wells—primarily at the Tudor Road Pump Station—and in larger low‑pressure sewer systems to reduce odor‑causing bacteria, slow further bacterial growth and inhibit pipe corrosion. Bagwell told the committee the city expects usage to vary by conditions and anticipates between about 100 and 400 gallons per day depending on wastewater conditions and weather.

Bagwell said the purchase will be funded through the Water Utilities FY2026 operations budget and the recommended authorization sets a not‑to‑exceed amount of $300,000. Council members expressed support and noted the Tudor Road station is a frequent source of odor complaints; one council member said the solution’s use “would be great” for that location.

The committee advanced the item by unanimous roll call; the motion as recorded will go to full council for final authorization. The committee did not alter the funding source or the not‑to‑exceed amount at the meeting.