Newark advances Pequannock WTP expansion and secures CSO compliance support

Newark advances Pequannock WTP expansion and secures CSO compliance supportThe City Council approved a change order for the filtration expansion at the Pequannock facility and awarded HDR Engineering a $377,429 contract to assist with MS4 and CSO permitting, alongside restructuring its public works and utility leadership.

Pact Two LLC received a 32-day contract extension for the $12.7 million construction of additional filters at the Pequannock Water Treatment Plant.

HDR Engineering secured a $377,429 contract to provide engineering support for the city's Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) and Tier "A" Municipal Stormwater general permits.

The council ratified a 90-day extension to a $539,311 emergency contract for leak repairs at the Charlotteburg Reservoir Dam.

Rodney Hadley was introduced as the new Director of Public Works, ending a dual-role arrangement that had the Director of Water and Sewer Utilities managing both departments.

The Newark Municipal Council approved a slate of critical water and wastewater infrastructure measures during its July 15, 2026, meeting, advancing filtration upgrades and regulatory compliance initiatives. A key approval was Contract Change Order #1 for Pact Two LLC, extending the timeline for the expansion of the filtration building and the construction of Filters 12 and 14 at the Pequannock Water Treatment Plant. The $12.7 million capital project will see its contract period increased by 32 days, bringing the total duration to 397 days from the initial notice to proceed. On the wastewater and stormwater front, the council authorized a $377,429 professional services contract with HDR Engineering, Inc. The firm will provide engineering support for Newark's Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) General Permit and Tier "A" Municipal Stormwater General Permit through March 2027. Stormwater management also surfaced as a recurring theme during the meeting's public comment period. Residents raised concerns about localized flooding linked to illegal real estate development overwhelming the city's storm drains. Concurrently, community members highlighted grassroots efforts to address runoff, including the introduction of a new "Green Infrastructure Reformer" for the South Ward tasked with promoting storm drain adoption and community stormwater education. In addition to these planned projects, the council ratified a 90-day extension to an emergency contract for leak repairs at the Charlotteburg Reservoir Dam. The $539,311 contract, divided between Hutton Construction, LLC and Colonnelli Brothers, Inc., addresses leaks in the ventilation shaft and the downstream face of Monolith 10 near the spillway. Finally, the city administration addressed utility leadership capacity by introducing Rodney Hadley as the new Director of Public Works. Hadley, a 40-year public works veteran with previous tenure in Jersey City and Somerville, will relieve the Director of Water and Sewer Utilities, who had been serving in a dual capacity managing both departments.