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Council approves purchase of screw press to improve wastewater dewatering, cut hauling costs
Summary
Council authorized buying a custom screw press (equipment cost ~ $413,000) to replace an underperforming belt press at the city's wastewater plant; staff said the equipment should improve solids dryness, cut hauling costs by an estimated 70% and reduce regulatory risk.
Public Works told council the plant's current belt press delivers marginal dewatering (7–11% solids) and that a demonstrated screw press produced >20% solids during a weeklong trial. Staff recommended ordering a custom screw press sized for up to 4 million gallons per day to accommodate current and future plant loads. The council approved the equipment purchase to begin manufacturing; separate contractor work to modify and install the unit will follow and is expected to be funded from sewer reserves.
Staff estimated equipment cost around $413,000; installation and building modifications are additional and the overall project is expected to reduce hauling costs by roughly 70% and lower operational risk during high flow seasons. The screw press manufacturer will provide installation support; full contractor procurement and installation will be pursued after manufacturing lead time (five to six months).
