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Commission approves $370,019 contract for wastewater treatment plant master plan update
Summary
The commission authorized a not‑to‑exceed contract with Black & Veatch to update the wastewater treatment plant master plan, citing impending KDHE permit requirements and estimating a potential future plant cost of roughly $120 million.
The Leavenworth City Commission authorized the mayor on June 24 to sign a contract with Black & Veatch for an update to the city’s wastewater treatment plant master plan in a not‑to‑exceed amount of $370,019.
City staff and John Keller of Black & Veatch told the commission the current wastewater facility is approaching the end of its useful life and that upcoming Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Nutrient Removal guidance and permit changes will make the existing trickling‑filter‑based system difficult to meet in future permit cycles. Black & Veatch previously designed upgrades to the older facility and the city’s UV disinfection system; the firm will evaluate what existing components can be reused and prepare a layout and cost estimate for an updated facility.
The firm’s scope covers capacity evaluation, recommended treatment approaches to meet discharge limits, and layouts for an updated plant. Staff told the commission the contract funds will come from the city’s share reserve fund and noted Black & Veatch reduced its fee when the policy report was provided. During the discussion commissioners asked about the likely cost of a new plant; Keller said a new treatment plant could cost on the order of $120 million (staff cautioned the final number depends on the chosen treatment approach and reuse of existing equipment).
Funding and next steps Staff said they will pursue grant and low‑interest loan opportunities, including defense community grant programs and other state or federal sources, and will include the master plan’s findings in future CIP schedules. The master‑plan update does not include final design; it is a planning step intended to inform future design, permitting, funding and construction.
Commission action A motion to authorize the mayor to sign the contract with Black & Veatch not to exceed $370,019 carried; recorded roll‑call votes were taken by the mayor and commissioners present and the motion passed.
