Wausau commission approves sole-source purchase of magnesium hydroxide for wastewater treatment

The Water Works Commission approved a sole-source purchase Tuesday for magnesium hydroxide from Midwest Chemical and Equipment for use at the wastewater plant.

Ben, a plant operations staff member, recommended continuing with Midwest Chemical for the magnesium hydroxide supply. He explained the chemical "is used to increase the alkalinity, makes the wastewater more stable, more treatable" and that "they're holding their pricing firm. After the first year, it'll raise a penny per pound more." Ben also told the commission the product's water-soluble formulation and the plant's current piping configuration have caused clogging in the past; switching to a different chemical now would create gelling issues and require further piping modifications and additional daily maintenance.

Commissioner Forrest moved to sole-source the magnesium hydroxide to Midwest Chemical; Commissioner Gellhar seconded the motion. The commission approved the sole-source purchase by voice vote.

Staff said Midwest's product is compatible with the plant's current piping layout and that switching chemicals would create additional operational burdens. The commission did not specify a contract length in the meeting minutes; staff will proceed with procurement consistent with the city's procurement policy for cooperative or sole-source purchases and provide contract details per normal purchasing procedures.