Dunedin awards nearly $3 million in wastewater-plant upgrades including pump replacements

The Dunedin City Commission approved two capital contracts July 23 to replace aging pumps at the wastewater treatment plant and to rehabilitate the emergency-generator building.

Staff recommended awarding a competitive bid for replacement of return activated sludge (RAS), waste activated sludge (WAS) and filter-feed pumps to TLC Diversified Inc. for $1,955,810. Alejandro Gonzalez, who presented the project, said the manufacturer had declared the existing pumps obsolete and the units — which operate 24/7 — needed full replacement rather than piecemeal parts. City operations staff estimated the expected life of the new pumps at roughly 10–13 years.

Separately the commission awarded the emergency generator building rehabilitation contract to Molly Contracting Group for $1,082,203.10. The work will harden the structure, remove roof penetrations and meet current standards so the generator can operate reliably in storms. Staff explained that during extended power outages the plant depends on the generator for continuous wastewater processing and that temporary, rented power is an interim measure while the building is rehabilitated.

Commissioners stressed timely oversight and contract safeguards. Staff said the contracts are bonded, include liquidated damages and will be inspected by engineering and plant operations staff during construction; work schedules were expected to avoid hurricane season start and the city will monitor contractor performance on ongoing municipal projects.