City approves $268,282 in contracts to excavate and dispose contaminated soils at Apex site

The Wichita City Council on April 24 approved two contracts to remove contaminated soils and concrete from the Apex site in the North Industrial Corridor. Public Works staff described the site, historical contamination from industrial activity, and a settlement with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) that guides remediation and institutional controls.

Don Henry of Public Works said the work includes excavation and disposal of about 2,100 tons of contaminated soil (to be landfilled at the KDHE-approved Plum Thicket Landfill in Harper, Kansas) and removal of approximately 200 tons of concrete rubble. The recommended contractor for excavation and on-site work is B and H Landworks LLC with a not-to-exceed price of $138,482. A separate disposal contract with Waste Connections (the Plum Thicket Landfill operator) includes tipping fees up to $129,800 for handling up to 2,200 tons of special waste. The combined total is $268,282.

Henry said this approach buys down time in long-term groundwater remediation and will save both years and millions of dollars over the life of the cleanup compared with leaving source soils in place. He noted KDHE issued authorization for special-waste disposal at Plum Thicket in December 2025.

The council approved the contracts and authorized signatures by unanimous vote. Staff said the excavation schedule for the on-site contract calls for completion within two months of contract execution and that groundwater cleanup is expected to continue through 2036 with monitoring to 2048.

Votes at a glance: Council approved the B and H Landworks LLC excavation contract and the Waste Connections disposal contract; motion passed 7-0.

Sources: Public Works presentation and Q&A; contract amounts and KDHE authorization provided in the April 24 meeting packet and transcript.