Council approves tentative award to ACMI for potable water supply at wastewater treatment plant

The Town of Waynesville moved to approve a resolution of tentative award to ACMI for construction of a dedicated potable water supply at the wastewater treatment plant, a project staff said is necessary to properly backwash newly installed disc filters.

"Based on our review, we are recommending the award go to ACMI," a staff presenter told the council, noting ACMI was the highest‑ranked firm based on value to the town. The potable water line will provide the pressurized, pumpable water required to clean the disc filters because the plant’s current reuse water contains too many particulates to operate the filter jets reliably.

Staff said the work is already funded in the town’s 2025‑26 budget from the wastewater enterprise fund and that construction is expected to be coordinated with plant operators to minimize disruptions; the project timeline was described as about six weeks once work begins. The presenter also said the recommended motion should be recorded as a resolution of tentative award because the state Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ) must approve the contract award.

Council members asked technical questions about the original design and why potable water is required; staff explained that the reuse product did not meet clarity specifications and that the potable line will allow the filters to be cleaned until reuse water quality is assured. The council moved, seconded and approved the resolution of tentative award by voice vote.

Staff noted the bid includes additional work beyond the potable line, including replacement or repair of actuators damaged in prior flooding. Final contract execution will follow pending DEQ approval and routine procurement steps.