Council hears plan to expand West Pasco Water Treatment Plant; $14 million project moves to design with RH2 engineering agreement

The council received a presentation on April 28 proposing a professional services agreement with RH2 Engineering to design phases 3 and 4 of the West Pasco Water Treatment Plant expansion. Director Sarah (presenting) said the plant’s original capacity was 6 million gallons per day (MGD) and recent phases increased capacity to about 12 MGD; the planned phases will expand production toward 18 MGD to improve reliability and meet summer demands.

Staff said the scope includes process and treatment upgrades (membrane systems), sludge drying beds, increased pumping capacity, backup power generation at the plant and intake, and associated mechanical and electrical work. The work is eligible for a low‑interest loan from the Washington State Department of Health, and staff estimated the construction cost at roughly $14 million.

Staff requested council consent to negotiate and accept a professional services agreement with RH2 Engineering for design, permitting and bid support with a not‑to‑exceed fee near $749,753. Staff explained that selection of RH2 follows consultant qualifications rules for professional services, where experience is the primary evaluation factor, and fees are negotiated after a most‑qualified selection.

Council had clarifying questions about procurement and the distinction between selecting consultants by qualifications (design) and contractors by competitive bid (construction). Staff confirmed most‑qualified selection is standard for engineering services, and that construction procurement will follow competitive bid rules, possibly with prequalification criteria for complex treatment work.

No formal action was taken at the workshop; staff anticipated returning to council for formal acceptance of the agreement in a future meeting.