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Brainerd BPU approves Bolton & Mink studies for new water treatment plant and a test well
Summary
The Brainerd Public Utilities Commission approved professional studies by Bolton & Mink to explore a new water treatment plant and a potential Well No. 9, funding preliminary engineering at $159,600 and a well‑siting study at $51,880; commissioners also authorized staff to refine a ~$54,000 test‑well drilling quote and return it for approval.
The Brainerd Public Utilities Commission on Jan. 27 approved two professional studies to evaluate options for a new water treatment plant and the siting of a future municipal well.
Utility Director Paul Sandy told commissioners the city’s existing plant dates to 1918 with major work done in 1964 and that recent monitoring identified copper concentrations above Environmental Protection Agency action levels at multiple sampling locations. “Given the age and condition of our water treatment plant, we need to start investigating options for a new facility,” Sandy said.
Staff presented two Bolton & Mink proposals: a preliminary engineering and siting study for a replacement treatment plant with a fee not to exceed $159,600, and a well‑siting study for a proposed Well No. 9 with a Bolton & Mink fee of $51,880. Sandy said the studies will examine treatment technologies, siting alternatives, funding strategies and timing, and will help shape capital planning and grant requests.
The packet also included a high‑level quote from Trout Drilling for a 6‑inch test well, which staff estimated near $54,000. Commissioners and staff discussed the merits of a 4‑inch monitoring bore versus a 6‑inch test well; Morgan Salo explained a 6‑inch test well allows test pumping to determine aquifer capacity, while a 4‑inch monitoring well provides geologic information but not pump‑test capacity.
Sandy said the Bolton & Mink treatment‑plant proposal came in under the city’s $175,000 budgeted amount and the well‑siting proposal was within the $60,000 budgeted estimate. He asked the commission to approve both proposals and to allow staff time to finalize the Trout drilling scope and return a firm drilling quote for future commission consideration. Commissioners approved the Bolton & Mink proposals by voice vote.
The commission’s approval initiates preliminary engineering that staff said will inform grant and bonding strategies, treatment alternatives, and a recommended timeline for replacement or substantial rehabilitation of the aging plant. Staff emphasized that additional funding decisions and specific construction contracts will return to the commission for separate approvals.
The commission’s action covers only the studies and does not authorize construction or drilling beyond the forthcoming Trout quote or additional future approvals.
