Columbus approves over $33M in wastewater treatment and conveyance contracts

Columbus approves over $33M in wastewater treatment and conveyance contractsThe city council has authorized major agreements with Obayashi Corporation, Arcadis, and HDR Engineering to modernize critical infrastructure at the Southerly and Jackson Pike Water Reclamation Plants.

Obayashi Corporation received a $14 million contract modification for the Big Walnut Sanitary Trunk Extension Phase 2 project.

Claypool Electric was awarded a $12.55 million contract for VFD and harmonic filter upgrades at the Southerly Water Reclamation Plant.

Arcadis ($3.13 million) and HDR Engineering ($3.45 million) secured professional services contracts for dewatering improvements at the Jackson Pike and Southerly plants, respectively.

The council authorized the transfer of $11.17 million from a PFAS settlement fund to the water operating fund for water quality improvements.

The Columbus City Council has approved a series of legislative measures authorizing more than $33 million in new spending for municipal wastewater infrastructure, targeting both collection system expansion and treatment plant modernization. The largest single approval was a $14 million construction contract modification with Obayashi Corporation for the Big Walnut Sanitary Trunk Extension Phase 2 project. This deep-tunneling initiative requires advanced construction techniques to navigate challenging subsurface conditions found at the site, including high methane levels and extensive pyrite formations. The ordinance authorizes the Director of Public Utilities to apply for a Water Pollution Control Loan Fund loan to finance the modification, signaling a continued expansion of the city’s sanitary conveyance capacity. Significant investments are also being directed toward the city’s treatment facilities. The council authorized a $12.55 million construction contract with Claypool Electric, Inc. for Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) and harmonic filter upgrades at the Southerly Water Reclamation Plant. This project also relies on approval of a loan from the Ohio Water Development Authority. Further modernization efforts focused on solids handling. Council Member Wyche, chair of the Public Utilities & Sustainability Committee, introduced legislation for dewatering improvements at both the Jackson Pike and Southerly Water Reclamation Plants. Wyche noted that the contracts will fund the replacement of "existing problematic equipment," including dewatering centrifuges, feed pumps, cake pumps, and electrical gear, to ensure sufficient treatment capacity. To support these improvements, the council approved professional engineering services contracts with Arcadis US, Inc. for $3.13 million (Jackson Pike) and HDR Engineering, Inc. for $3.45 million (Southerly). Both contracts are contingent upon revolving loan funding. Beyond wastewater, the council advanced water supply projects, including a $4.44 million professional services contract with S&ME, Inc. for engineering services related to Upground Reservoirs R1 and R3. Additionally, legislation was passed to authorize the transfer of $11.17 million from the city's PFAS Settlement Fund to the Water Operating Fund, which will be utilized by the Division of Water for water quality improvements.