City approves sole-source pilot to remove buildup in North Centerville storm sewer; New Brands to reimburse costs

The City Commission approved a sole-source pilot study to test a proprietary cleaning method on a 27-inch storm sewer on North Centerville Road after months of unsuccessful mechanical and chemical cleaning attempts.

City engineering staff explained the pipe has accumulated a hardened precipitate (described in the meeting as "struvite" or similar mineral build-up) that resisted prior mechanical bits, high-pressure water blasting and chemical softening. Staff recommended contracting Deutsch Environmental Services to perform a five-day pilot (up to a 10-day maximum) using Deutsch’s proprietary approach, with construction inspection and oversight by Fishbach, Inc. Fishbach’s oversight cost was presented as not to exceed $17,440 and the Deutsch pilot was presented at a cost not to exceed $83,800.

Patrick, the city engineer, said New Brands — the discharge source associated with the buildup — has agreed to reimburse the city 100% of the pilot and oversight costs through invoicing once the city incurs the expense.

Commissioners asked whether the city would be reimbursed if the pilot proved unsuccessful; staff said the work completed would still be billed to and reimbursed by New Brands and that replacement of the pipe would also be pursued and is expected to be reimbursed as a last resort if required.

The commission approved the Deutsch sole-source pilot, the Fishbach oversight contract and a budget amendment reflecting the anticipated reimbursable revenue and expenditures.

Provenance: Discussion, staff presentation and motions recorded in the meeting transcript and the associated packet materials (see the engineering presentation and budget-amendment memo).