Durham council approves $1.046 million contract to study algal flowway site options

The Durham City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a professional services contract with Gradian PLC to evaluate and identify potential sites for a proposed algal flowway (algae scrubber) pilot project.

The contract approved by the council authorizes up to $1,046,376 for site evaluation and identification work. Council also approved a contingency fund of $156,956 for the contract and authorized the city manager to negotiate and execute amendments so long as the total professional services amount does not exceed $1,203,332.

Councilmembers and city staff framed the vote as a preliminary step. Staff and the mayor’s office emphasized the contract does not authorize construction; it funds site analysis and public outreach to identify suitable locations within the city and county limits. The project team said prior pilot work near Falls Lake in 2017 showed algae scrubbers could remove nitrogen and phosphorus from stormwater, and this procurement is intended to identify candidate plots and gather more data before any build decision.

During public comment the council heard questions about where the study will look, project timeline and whether Falls Lake and other local hydrologic conditions are being considered. City staff said the study will consider sites within city and county limits, will review prior pilot findings and will include opportunities for public input once candidate sites are identified.

The motions were made and adopted by unanimous vote.

Council members said they expect future opportunities for public review as the study narrows potential sites and before any construction or permitting steps begin.