Columbus advances green infrastructure and plant rehabs with $50M+ investment package

Columbus advances green infrastructure and plant rehabs with $50M+ investment packageThe Ohio city is accelerating its Blueprint Columbus stormwater strategy and upgrading solids handling at the Jackson Pike Water Reclamation Plant following a substantial night of contract approvals.

Council approved over $20 million in contracts for 'Blueprint' projects involving permeable pavement and storm sewer construction in the Hilltop and Livingston Avenue areas.

Jacobs Engineering Group secured an $11.4 million contract increase for digester improvements at the Jackson Pike Water Reclamation Plant.

Kenmore Construction was awarded a $7.8 million contract for filter media replacement and tunnel repairs at the Dublin Road Water Plant.

The Council authorized a contract with Edelson PC to explore litigation against lead water service line manufacturers regarding potential infrastructure harm.

Operational reports highlighted the impact of recent freezing weather, which caused 70 water mainline breaks requiring 12 crews working 12-hour shifts.

The Columbus City Council approved a significant suite of water and wastewater infrastructure contracts during its February 9, 2026 meeting, advancing major capital projects for both the Department of Public Utilities and the Division of Water. A primary focus of the investment is the city's 'Blueprint Columbus' initiative, which utilizes green infrastructure to address sanitary sewer overflows. The Council authorized a $12.6 million construction contract with Danbert, Inc., a Plain City-based contractor specializing in utility and paving work, for the 'Blueprint Hilltop 4' project, which includes integrated solutions and water line improvements. Additionally, Danbert was awarded an $8.17 million contract for the 'Blueprint Miller Kelton Newton Bedford' project. According to Public Utilities Committee Chair Christopher Wyche, this project will involve constructing 7,174 square yards of permeable pavers, new storm sewers, and drainage modifications to mitigate basement backups and flooding. Wastewater treatment facilities also received substantial funding. Jacobs Engineering Group was granted a contract modification increasing funding by $11.45 million for digester improvements at the Jackson Pike Water Reclamation Plant. Chair Wyche noted that this infrastructure is necessary to continue digesting sludge solids, reducing disposal needs and enabling conversion into agricultural fertilizer. At the Southerly Wastewater Treatment Plant, Arcadis U.S. Inc. and Hatch Associates Consultants secured separate engineering contract modifications totaling approximately $3 million for variable frequency drive upgrades and power system safety improvements. On the drinking water side, Kenmore Construction Company was authorized for a $7.86 million construction contract at the Dublin Road Water Plant. The scope includes filter media replacement, tunnel repair, and a lubricant storage building. Additionally, Arcadis U.S. Inc. received a $3.75 million contract modification for the Parsons Avenue Water Plant Wellfield Development Project. Beyond capital construction, the Council took strategic legal action regarding water quality. Legislation was passed authorizing the City Attorney to contract with Edelson PC for specialized legal counsel regarding lead water service lines. Chair Emmanuel Remy stated that the city is exploring legal options to investigate claims of harm caused by lead lines, with potential litigation directed toward service line manufacturers. The contract is at no cost to the city, implying a contingency arrangement. The meeting also addressed immediate operational challenges. A Deputy Director reported that recent extreme cold weather had strained the distribution system, resulting in 70 mainline breaks over a two-week period. The utility deployed 12 crews working 12-hour days to manage the repairs, noting that rising temperatures were finally allowing the backlog of investigations to decrease.