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Sanitation board details INZ plant upgrades, $4.85M federal earmark and plan to broker accumulated sludge
Summary
Sanitation staff reported INZ plant Phase 1 upgrades are expected to finish in June, the district secured a $4.85 million federal earmark toward Phase 2, and the board authorized engagement with a waste broker to scope removal or beneficial reuse of thousands of tons of accumulated drying-bed sludge that contribute to summer odor problems.
Sanitation district leaders gave a multi-part update on plant upgrades, funding and a longstanding sludge-management problem that contributes to summer odors.
Staff reported that INZ plant Phase 1 rehabilitation work will be completed in June with full operation in July; Phase 1 addresses broken systems but does not expand capacity. The board was told that a federal earmark of $4.85 million has been secured to support Phase 2, which would expand treatment capacity and capabilities, though Phase 227s full funding need is much larger (staff recalled a roughly $8.65 million figure for total Phase 2 work and said additional grant dollars will be sought).
Prime27s odor study identified thousands of tons of accumulated sludge on drying beds and sand filters as a major source of the district27s summertime odor problems. Staff estimated the amount in several drying beds could exceed 1,400 tons that may be appropriate for beneficial reuse if sampling and analysis support that classification; other portions would likely require special-waste disposal at landfill rates near $80/ton. To avoid a large direct disposal bill, the board authorized staff to engage a specialized waste broker to sample, profile and scope options (including beneficial reuse paths and load-out logistics) and to return with a proposal.
The board also approved orders and purchases for replacement pumps, control panels and grinder pumps for damaged lift stations and emphasized warranty terms as part of purchasing decisions. Staff said FEMA and insurance reimbursements are being reconciled project-by-project and that some projects remain in red until final payouts and audits are complete.
The motion to engage a waste broker passed in open session; staff will present a formal broker proposal and cost estimate to the board before any contracts or disposal work begins.
