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College Place staff outline multiple water, wastewater and street projects; Well 8 likely sidelined
Summary
City engineers and JEB Engineers briefed the commission on progress across wells, wastewater upgrades, road and stormwater projects. Public Works Director said Well 8 produced low yields and high manganese, likely requiring more than $1 million in treatment and making the well unlikely to proceed.
The College Place City Commission heard a detailed update on infrastructure projects from Public Works Director Robert McCandrus and consultants with JEB Engineers.
Public Works Director Robert McCandrus said Well 8 (near Teal Lane) produced lower-than-expected yields and water-quality testing showed high iron and manganese. "If we are to proceed with that well, we will have to include, well over a million dollars in treatment and ongoing operations costs," McCandrus said, and staff are exploring alternate well sites and funding options.
McCandrus also briefed the commission on several city projects: HVAC and energy-efficiency upgrades at the fire station with McKinstry, completion of Lines Park pending minor punch-list work, an RFQ for design of a downtown parking lot, and a major road improvement project where two parcels remain in right-of-way acquisition with condemnation under consideration.
Consultants from JEB Engineers (Alex and Tyler French) presented on wastewater plant upgrades and other capital projects. Alex said Phase 1a of wastewater upgrades—replacement of influent screens, piping repairs and electrical upgrades—is nearly complete and described it as a $5,700,000 project funded with a $3,500,000 EPA grant plus Ecology grant/loan funds. Phase 1b (new UV disinfection, a large effluent storage pond and new pump/irrigation stations for 100+ acres) is being finalized for a planned early-2026 bid advertisement and is required under the city’s permit.
JEB described a 90% design for Reservoir 4, a planned 1,000,000-gallon elevated tank and transmission main to serve westward growth; the project is supported by a roughly $10,000,000 funding package from the Department of Health (described as roughly half loan and half grant) with additional federal funding still pending. Veterans Park is at about 90% design but construction requires an estimated $2,000,000 to proceed.
Tyler French summarized several stormwater and street projects including Birch (6th) water/sewer/storm work (Public Works Trust Fund loan), a decant facility with Ecology construction funding pending contract signature, and a phased Southeast 12th Street program (water design funded ~ $500,000; Ecology funding decisions for sewer and storm expected in January). Several Ecology-funded stormwater projects were also described with potential construction dates in 2026–2028 depending on approval and permitting schedules.
What to watch: Staff said many projects are contingent on grant awards and right-of-way acquisitions; the commission will receive updates as designs are completed and funding locks in.
