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Council approves DEQ‑required soil‑sampling contract for sewer treatment plant, awards to Moll Foster
Summary
After DEQ required soil sampling and infiltration‑rate analysis for the surge removal plant, council approved a $40,900 contract with Moll Foster (recommended because the firm will coordinate permitting with DEQ). The study will inform irrigation/discharge operations and any needed retrofits.
Junction City approved a DEQ‑required soil‑sampling and infiltration‑rate study for the sewer treatment (surge removal) plant and authorized the Public Works Director to sign contract documents with the recommended firm.
Staff explained the Department of Environmental Quality sent inspectors who determined the city must provide soil infiltration data before certain discharge or irrigation activities. Three bids were reviewed: one from Moll Foster (~$40,900), one higher bid and one near $39,920. Staff recommended Moll Foster because the contractor will coordinate directly with DEQ, reducing staff and engineering coordination costs.
Councilor Senning moved to award the contract to Moll Foster in the amount of $40,900; Councilor Weishberg seconded and the council approved the motion unanimously.
What happens next: city staff will complete the soil sampling and infiltration‑rate study; DEQ’s findings may require changes to irrigation heads, timing or retrofit work depending on the report’s recommendations. Staff estimated results would likely return in December and noted DEQ could require operational limits (hours, rest periods) or retrofit work that could carry additional costs.
Why it matters: the DEQ requirement affects how the city can use reclaimed water and could lead to operational constraints or capital changes to irrigation infrastructure.
