Background:
The Utilities Department requires rehabilitative improvements to the odor control system at the Springtree Wastewater Treatment Plant, which was originally constructed in 1997 and has reached the end of its useful life. These improvements include an evaluation of replacement alternatives for the existing solids handling chemical scrubber system and the subsequent design of the selected alternative, replacement of the motorized valves at the wastewater effluent equalization tank, replacement of the suction/discharge valves and suction piping header at the Return Activated Sludge (RAS) pump stations, and the replacement of the influent gates and internal recoating of the Chlorine Contact Basin, and providing a new plant service water line from the existing high service pump station “A” to the existing plant water booster pumps.
In addition, the Springtree Wastewater Treatment Plant has three thickened sludge holding tanks that were built in 1997. These tanks currently hold the wastewater sludge prior to the thickening and dewatering process. Two of the three sludge holding tanks are designated for waste activated sludge (WAS), and the third tank is designated for thickened WAS. The sludge holding tanks’ original design included two mechanical mixers per tank. Drop pipes that supply air from blowers for tank mixing were added in 2016; however, the sludge is not mixing properly at this time and solids are accumulating, resulting in odors and septic sludge. Existing mechanical mixers are operated to assist in the mixing of the sludge; however, the mixing equipment is near the end of its useful life and cannot be operated at the same time as the blowers.
Both of these projects will require construction management services (CMS), including construction contract administration, inspection services and engineering certifications by staff experienced in the discipline fields that correspond to the project.
On December 13, 2022, City Commission approved Project Agreement Number PA-23-006-BV and Resolution No. 21-43-22-A with Black & Veatch Corporation, for the design, permitting, and bidding services for the Springtree WWTP Solids Handling Odor Control project. On August 13, 2024, City Commission approved Project Agreement Number PA-24-034-BV and Resolution No. 21-43-24-F with Black & Veatch Corporation, for the design, permitting, and bidding services for the Springtree WWTP Holding Tank Mixing & Aeration Improvements project. Because the scope of work for both projects is located within the same general area, staff and the design consultant recommended combining the two projects into a single bid to enhance coordination and minimize potential construction conflicts. On March 16, 2026, Bid No. 26-47-03-MS was issued, including design documents for both Solids Handling Odor Control and Holding Tank Mixing & Aeration Improvements projects. Following the evaluation by the Purchasing Office, Utilities Department, and Black & Veatch Corporation, it was recommended to award the contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, Daniel Oconnell’s Sons, Inc. There is a separate Agenda Item on the July 14, 2026, City Commission Meeting to award this construction contract.
As the project moves to the construction phase, construction management services are now required. The Utilities Department developed Project Agreement PA-26-017-BV with Black & Veatch Corporation, to provide construction management services (CMS), including construction contract administration, inspection services and engineering certifications by staff experienced in the discipline fields that correspond to the project.
Staff negotiated a fee that is fair and reasonable for the scope and complexity of the work with Black & Veatch Corporation and these funds are currently budgeted for completing this work.