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Council approves sole-source purchase of screw presses to replace failing dewatering equipment at wastewater plant
Summary
To address failing belt presses and DEQ concerns, the council approved a sole-source procurement for two Huber QPress screw presses funded from the wastewater fund; staff described the purchase as a bridge improvement ahead of a planned full plant reconstruction.
The Sandpoint City Council authorized a sole-source procurement Sept. 3 for two screw presses to replace aging belt presses in the citywastewater treatment plantsolids-handling building.
Public Works Director Holly Ellis said the belt presses are nearing the end of their useful life and that the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has identified equipment issues tied to the plantpermit. Ellis and Stantec consultant Nick Smith told council that a pilot test of a Huber QPress unit was conducted and that Huber was the only vendor to respond to the citypilot request. Smith described the screw press as a mechanical dewatering unit that will increase solids cake from roughly 1.5to 2 percent up to about 18 percent solids, substantially reducing hauling volume.
Why it matters: The belt presses have been in service for decades and are linked to permit compliance and operational risk. The city budgeted the work as a bridge improvement to be retained when the full wastewater treatment plant is reconstructed; the purchase will be funded through the wastewater fund with a project budget figure referenced at about $1.5 million and the vendor quote somewhat lower.
Councilors asked about vendor competition, cost comparisons and equipment life span. Staff said other vendors did not submit pilot proposals; one vendor reportedly did not bid because their unit would not fit in the solids-handling room. Ellis said the vendor has honored earlier quotes and staff has reviewed comparable installations in other Idaho plants. Council President Deb Rule asked whether the two new presses would provide redundancy; staff confirmed the procurement seeks two units so one can serve as backup during commissioning or maintenance.
Council action: President Ruhle moved to approve the sole-source procurement with Huber Technology for two QPress screw presses and related equipment; the motion passed on roll-call vote. Staff said the lead time is roughly 27to 29 weeks plus submittal coordination and that construction and installation is planned during 2026.
What comes next: Staff will proceed with sole-source procurement, publish the required 14-day notice and manage submittals and scheduling. Project design and procurement are being coordinated with the long-term wastewater treatment plant reconstruction plans so the new presses can serve as a bridge solution.
