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SPSA reports progress on wetlands permit, Cell 7 bidding and Flyover construction; leachate project extension under review
Summary
Staff told the board the Army Corps review is underway for a wetlands record of decision, geotechnical testing may save ~$1.7 million on Cell 7 construction, Flyover remains on schedule, and the leachate evaporator contractor has requested an extension under negotiation.
SPSA staff updated the board on several capital projects and permits on May 28, reporting progress on a wetlands permit, potential cost savings for Cell 7 construction, Flyover project status and a contractor extension request for the leachate evaporator.
Dennis Bagley reported SPSA received the final Virginia Water Protection (VWP) individual permit from DEQ; the Army Corps of Engineers was reviewing the record of decision and EPA has indicated it will not elevate the record of decision, allowing the process to move forward. Bagley said staff is finalizing a mitigation plan that will include ongoing monitoring for invasive species and other minor conditions required by regulators. Once the record of decision is complete, SPSA plans to start removal of trees on the property to ready the site for construction activity.
On Cell 7, staff completed specifications and scheduled a pre-bid meeting. Additional geotechnical testing was authorized so SPSA can determine whether onsite soils can be used rather than removed and replaced. Bagley said if testing is favorable, SPSA could save about $1.7 million on construction costs; Cell 7 Phase 1 is targeted for completion in 2026, enabling placement of waste in the new cell upon phase completion.
Flyover construction continues on schedule and on budget, staff reported. The contract’s notice to proceed was July 26, 2024; the contract completion date is December 4, 2026 (total completion). Staff said roadway opening is targeted July 30, 2026; approximately one-third of contract time has elapsed and 19% of contract value has been paid to date. Work-zone cameras will be installed the week of the report and a 45-day grace period for community notice was announced.
Operations staff told the board they are negotiating an extension with the leachate evaporator contractor (Harlan) because some stored components (pumps, bearings) may need rework after prolonged storage; staff is targeting a negotiated extension around Sept. 1 rather than the contractor’s initial year-end request. Engineers are also reworking a chemical pump door to keep water out and finalizing load-out procedures for concentrate brine.
Ending: Staff will proceed with required mitigation planning, geotechnical testing and bid scheduling; staff will report results of testing and the negotiated leachate contract extension at future meetings.
