Tuscaloosa extends $200k lift station chemical trial to capture rainy season data

Tuscaloosa extends $200k lift station chemical trial to capture rainy season dataThe Alabama municipality is weighing a vendor switch from Evoqua to TMB for its wastewater collection network, but wants more wet-weather performance data before making a final decision.

The Public Projects Committee approved a contract amendment up to $200,000 for TMB to continue a chemical treatment trial at Lift Stations 2 and 33.

The trial involves continuous monitoring and chemical application for intermediate wastewater treatment and odor control.

Staff requested the extension to test the chemicals during the rainy season before committing to a new supplier.

The city is currently under a three-year contract with Evoqua but is exploring alternatives based on TMB's past performance at the municipal water treatment plant.

The City of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is extending a trial program for intermediate wastewater treatment as it weighs a potential vendor switch for lift station odor and corrosion control. During a July 28, 2026, Public Projects Committee meeting, officials approved an amendment to a professional services contract with Thornton, Musso, Bellemin, Inc. (TMB). The amendment, which carries a total contract value not to exceed $200,000, will fund continuous chemical application and monitoring at Lift Stations 2 and 33. The trial will now extend through the next fiscal year, drawing from the Water Recovery Facility (WRRF) Outside Services operations budget. A utility representative noted that the city is currently operating under a three-year contract with Evoqua for lift station chemical treatment but has been actively exploring alternative suppliers. TMB was selected for the trial based on the city's positive history with the firm at its water treatment plant. The contract extension was deemed necessary to capture more variable weather conditions. According to city staff, the initial trial period lacked sufficient wet-weather events to fully evaluate how the treatment handles the system's needs during periods of heavy precipitation. "We're asking to extend this trial a little longer because we didn't have enough rainy season that we were wanting to use, and to make sure that we're getting the product that we want before we completely switch over to a new vendor," the representative explained. The committee unanimously approved the amendment, with one member emphasizing that effective odor control remains an "extremely important" priority for the municipal wastewater collection system.