Polk County approves $21.43 million contract for septage receiving and leachate treatment facility

Polk County commissioners on the dais approved a $21,430,000 construction contract to build a centralized septage receiving and leachate treatment facility at the county's North Central Landfill and separately approved a professional services amendment with Hazen and Sawyer not to exceed $488,410 for construction administration and support.

County staff said the new facility is intended to provide an alternative disposal option for septic-hauling companies that currently apply septage to open fields, a practice staff said risks nutrient leaching into groundwater and nearby water bodies. The project includes treatment equipment already purchased in part with $6,580,000 in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds.

Manager's office representative (presenting details) said the county completed competitive solicitation (Bid No. 25021), received two bids and recommended award to C & T Contracting Services as the lowest responsive, responsible bidder. Staff added a $250,000 allowance and contingency per county resolution and set a 395-calendar-day contract time for final completion.

Commissioners voted after a motion and second; the board recorded verbal approval and the chair stated "motion carries." There was no recorded roll-call tally in the public remarks.

Polk County also approved an amendment to an existing agreement with Hazen and Sawyer to provide part 3 professional engineering services (construction support and administration) for the project, with the county noting the amendment will be funded by ARPA monies in the county's utility community investment plan. The amendment was described as a one-time expense not to exceed $488,410 and estimated to take about one year.

County staff said the feasibility study and prior design phases identified the North Central Landfill as the preferred site because it is readily accessible and can accommodate leachate treatment and residual biosolids disposal.

Clarifying details provided to the board showed community investment program expenses to date of $12,043,677 (design, engineering, equipment procurement and related operating expenses) and requested a community investment program amendment and budget transfer of $18,343,741 from the utilities capital expansion reserve to fully fund remaining anticipated project costs.

Commissioners described the project as addressing regulatory changes for biosolids management and as a service to local haulers and the county's solid waste operations. Commissioner Scott, who said he had family experience in the septic business, praised the project as benefiting private haulers and solid waste operations.

The board approved the construction contract (including contingency) and the Hazen and Sawyer amendment in separate votes during the meeting. The staff presentation said no protests were received during the solicitation process.

Next steps identified by staff: execute the construction contract, proceed with construction administration under the Hazen and Sawyer amendment, and manage the project schedule and budget through the county's community investment program.

Ending: The county did not specify a construction start date in the meeting remarks; staff said the construction schedule is 395 calendar days for completion once work begins.