Butler County renews $864k biosolids contract as Upper Mill Creek dryer nears

Butler County renews $864k biosolids contract as Upper Mill Creek dryer nearsButler County commissioners have extended Rumpke of Ohio's biosolids removal and disposal contract through October 2027. The county administrator said the expense should fall after a biosolids dryer is installed at the Upper Mill Creek facility.

Commissioners approved a renewal with Rumpke of Ohio for biosolids removal and disposal, capped at $863,945, from 1 November 2026 to 31 October 2027.

County staff said costs are expected to decrease once the biosolids dryer is in place at Upper Mill Creek, citing reduced hauling as well as lower internal electricity and operating costs.

The board also renewed a sodium chlorite supply contract worth up to $246,399.60 for the Clean B System at Upper Mill Creek Water Reclamation Facility.

The water and sewer department was authorised to advertise the Netherland, Horseshoe Bend and Lois water-main replacement project, with bids due by 28 October 2026.

Butler County has renewed a biosolids removal and disposal contract worth up to $863,945 for a further year, while signalling that the Upper Mill Creek biosolids dryer could materially reduce the utility's future residuals-management costs. The Board of Commissioners approved the renewal option with Rumpke of Ohio at its 6 October meeting. The contract, procured under ITB No. BCWS 25-A1, will run from 1 November 2026 through 31 October 2027. During presentation of the water and sewer resolutions, county administrator Judi Boyko said it was important to note that the costs covered by the agreement would “significantly decrease” once the biosolids dryer is in place at Upper Mill Creek. She said the county expects savings not only from reduced hauling under the contract, but also from internal electricity and operational costs. No commissioning date, project cost or expected savings figure for the dryer was stated at the meeting. The renewal is one of several water and sewer operating actions approved unanimously by the three-member board. Commissioners also renewed International Dioxide Inc.'s contract to supply sodium chlorite for the Clean B System at the Upper Mill Creek Water Reclamation Facility. That agreement is capped at $246,399.60 and runs from 7 October 2026 to 30 September 2027. The board also authorised the department to advertise the Netherland, Horseshoe Bend and Lois Water Main Replacement Project, ITB No. BCWS 25-A6. Bids are to be received by 28 October 2026. In addition, commissioners approved up to $100,000 for Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber Inc., doing business as Fishbeck, to provide professional engineering and support services. Boyko said the temporary support was recommended after changes in the water and sewer department's engineering division, pending a recruitment plan. The board separately adopted reciprocal retail water and retail sewer service agreements with the City of Fairfield. The agreements formally document existing arrangements under which Butler County and Fairfield provide retail service to identified parcels in their respective service areas.