Bloomington City Staff is requesting the city council pass an ordinance authorizing a construction agreement between the City of Bloomington and G. A. Rich & Sons, Inc., for a Water Treatment Plant Chemical Systems Improvements project in the amount of $1,510,850.
The project would improve chemical systems at the water treatment plant. The project would upgrade the ammonia storage and feed system and add a chlorine gas scrubber to address deficiencies in life safety, water quality integrity, and reliability.
The current ammonia system includes no emergency ventilation system in the event of a leak of the anhydrous ammonia gas. The improvements to the ammonia system would increase the level of safety, protect public health, and protect the environment.
The current chlorine system does not include a gas scrubber. The proposed chlorine gas scrubber will provide for emergency neutralization of chlorine gas in the event of a leak and provide protection to plant staff and the public.
These deficiencies were determined during the condition assessment phase of the Water Infrastructure Master Plan. Addressing these issues will allow plant operators to better supervise and control chemical inventories and feed rates to bring the facilities into compliance with current regulations.
On March 23, 2020, City Council approved a Design Contract with CDM Smith, Inc. Based on the resulting design the Public Works Department prepared the Water Treatment Plant Chemical Systems Improvements bid package.
The Request for Bids was released and advertised on August 4th. A pre-bid meeting was held on August 17th. Staff received one bid and opened it on September 1st via a Virtual Bid Opening.
Due to the complex nature of this project, staff will be recommending that an outside consultant perform construction observation services. Public Works will be presenting an agreement for these services to Council for consideration at a future City Council Meeting.
If approved, the $1,510,850 for the Construction Agreement with GA Rich and Sons Inc., will be paid out of the Water Purification – Water Plant Construction and Improvements account. If approved, a budget transfer will be made to move $210,850 from the Water Purification – Architectural & Engineering Services for Construction account to the Water Purification – Water Plant Construction and Improvements account to pay for the full construction portion of the project.
The Bloomington City Council meets at 6 pm tonight at the Government Center on the 4th floor.
