Council approves HDR amendment for wastewater plant UV and clarifier upgrades

Council voted April 7 to authorize amendment number one to the professional services contract with HDR Engineering Inc. for additional design and construction administration services for wastewater treatment plant improvements (project 24-074).

Acting City Manager described the amendment as covering engineering design and construction administration for a UV disinfection enclosure building, clarifier upgrades (numbers three and four), and headworks building upgrades. Krista Johnson, Public Services Director, told council that the existing UV system dates to about 2008 and that newer, more energy‑efficient UV options are being evaluated; some systems allow selective operation of submerged bulbs and scale output with flow, potentially reducing energy usage. Staff said a final system selection had not been made and that HDR had recommended replacing older equipment with a more energy-efficient solution.

Councilors asked for clarification on the recommended UV options and staff explained the evaluation is ongoing; the motion to approve the contract amendment passed unanimously. The amendment authorizes HDR to proceed with design and construction administration work so that upgrades can be bid and constructed in a future phase.