Bismarck extends WTP and WWTP project timelines citing equipment delays and pipe lining needs

Bismarck extends WTP and WWTP project timelines citing equipment delays and pipe lining needsThe North Dakota municipality approved change orders for PKG Contracting regarding ongoing improvements at both treatment plants while securing state cost-share funding for a water main extension.

Change Order No. 8 for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Flow Equalization project extends completion to November 2027 to accommodate necessary pipe lining.

Visual inspections determined the need for pipe lining, which will be funded through the project's existing CMAR contingency.

Change Order No. 3 for the Water Treatment Plant HVAC replacement adds 62 days to the schedule due to equipment fabrication delays.

The city secured a 60% cost-share reimbursement up to $81,191 from the North Dakota State Water Commission for the WU 150 water main extension.

The Bismarck City Commission approved contract modifications for ongoing capital improvements at both its water and wastewater treatment facilities during its meeting on February 10, 2026. Public Works Utility Operations Director Michael Mart presented Change Order No. 8 with PKG Contracting for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Flow Equalization (FEQ) Project (GMP 2). The change order extends the final completion date by 35 calendar days to November 18, 2027. According to Mart, the adjustment addresses the need for pipe lining, a requirement identified only after visual pipe condition inspections were conducted during construction. The funding for this work is included within the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) through the project's CMAR contingency, but the specific scope was contingent on the inspection results. The commission also approved Change Order No. 3 with PKG Contracting for the Water Treatment Plant Horizontal Collector Well HVAC Replacement (GMP 7). This modification extends the project's final completion date by 62 calendar days to April 30, 2026. Mart attributed the delay to issues regarding the fabrication and delivery of HVAC equipment that were beyond the control of the Construction Manager at Risk. No dollar amount change was associated with this time extension. In distribution news, the commission authorized an agreement for cost-share reimbursement with the North Dakota State Water Commission for the water main extension WU 150 project. The state agency approved the request on January 13, 2026, agreeing to reimburse 60 percent of eligible construction costs up to $81,191. The project involves installing approximately 475 feet of water main to extend the Zone 3 pressure area. Additionally, the commission approved Amendment No. 6 to the professional services agreement with AE2S for the Tyler Coulee Stormwater Ponds (SE 576). The amendment adds $213,532 to the contract for construction engineering and observation services, bringing the total not-to-exceed amount to $1,007,032. Funding for the initiative relies primarily on special assessments levied on parcels within the watershed boundaries based on square footage, though the city assumes costs associated with nondevelopable areas such as coulees and detention ponds.