Background:
The City of Sunrise Utilities Department owns and maintains the Southwest Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). The WWTP was constructed in 1973 and is permitted for an Annual Average Daily Flow (AADF) of 0.99 MGD, with treatment processes capable of meeting this capacity. However, disposal capacity has been severely constrained by the aging percolation ponds. Although routine maintenance has been conducted, their effective disposal capacity has been reduced to approximately 0.37 MGD due to high groundwater conditions, hydrogeologic limitations of the surficial aquifer and nearly 50 years of accumulated solids have reduced percolation rates. As a result, all wastewater flows exceeding 0.37 MGD must be pumped via force main to the Sawgrass WWTP for treatment and disposal. This requires additional pumping through a long-distance transmission system (approximately 6.5 miles) between the Southwest WWTP and the Sawgrass WWTP, resulting in increased operational costs and additional hydraulic loading on the lift station and force main system.
During the development of the 2020 Water and Wastewater Master Plan, effluent disposal capacity at the Southwest WWTP was evaluated. Initially, an alternative to construct a new percolation pond was selected. However, Broward County Code (Chapter 27-194) subsequentially no longer permitted new percolation pond disposal systems; only existing grandfathered facilities were permitted to continue operating. Since a new percolation pond was no longer a viable option, the Deep Injection Well (DIW) alternative was recommended in 2022, as the most feasible, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible solution. Following this recommendation the Southwest WWTP Deep Injection Well Capital Improvement Project (CIP) was established.
On April 25, 2023 the City Commission approved Project Agreement No. 23-009-HS with Hazen and Sawyer, P.C (Hazen) for the design, permitting, and bidding services for this project. The overall project was divided into two separate construction phases for bidding. Bid Package 1 consists of the construction of one Class I Deep Injection Well and one dual-zone monitoring well. Bid Package 2 consists of the Surface Facilities, including the Injection Well Pump Station (IWPS), associated surface piping and appurtenances, monitoring well surface facilities, and scarification of the existing percolation ponds.
The design, permitting, and bidding for Bid Package 1 was completed and on March 2, 2026, Bid No. 26-20-12-MS was issued for this work. Following the evaluation by the Purchasing Office, Utilities Department, and Hazen, it is recommended to award the contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, Youngquist Brothers, LLC’s. A separate agenda item is included on the August 11, 2026, City Commission Meeting, to award this construction contract.
As the project transitions into the construction phase, the Utilities Department developed Project Agreement PA 26-018-HS with Hazen to provide Construction Management Services (CMS), including construction administration, resident project representation, inspection services, coordination with regulatory agencies, and overall project oversight throughout construction by staff experienced in the relevant discipline fields.
The project involves the construction and testing of a deep injection well, which is a specialized operation requiring continuous technical oversight throughout the duration of the work. To provide the City with timely observation of critical construction activities, the Consultant will provide on-site coverage for up to 20 hours per day, seven days per week over an anticipated ten month construction period. This level of coverage allows the Consultant to observe and document critical work as it occurs to determine that construction is proceeding in conformance with the Contract Documents and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Underground Injection Control (UIC) Construction and Testing Permit conditions. Continuous observation also enables the Consultant to promptly identify and address field issues, provide timely communication to the City, and help minimize construction delays, and support the successful completion of the project.
Staff negotiated a fee for these professional services with Hazen, that is considered fair and reasonable for the scope and complexity of the work, and funds are currently budgeted to complete this work.
This project agreement is consistent with Item Number 26c in Exhibit ‘A’ Scope of Services of the 2021 Continuing Services Agreement with Hazen and Sawyer P.C. for Water, Wastewater, Wastewater Reuse, and Natural Gas Utility Projects Consultant Services.