Houston advances $30.4m in wastewater maintenance contracts for 69th Street plant and clarifiers

Houston advances $30.4m in wastewater maintenance contracts for 69th Street plant and clarifiersHouston Public Works has recommended approval for major service agreements with Air Products and Chemicals and Brown & Root Industrial Services to support critical treatment processes.

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. slated for a $24.1 million contract to operate the Pure Oxygen Plant at the 69th Street WWTP.

Brown & Root Industrial Services, LLC recommended for a $6.3 million contract amendment for clarifier maintenance.

Funding for the specialized maintenance services will be drawn from the city's Enterprise Fund.

Houston Public Works has recommended the approval of two significant ordinances aimed at rehabilitating and maintaining critical wastewater treatment infrastructure, totaling approximately $30.4 million. The investments target specialized treatment processes and physical assets required for regulatory compliance. The largest portion of the funding is directed toward the 69th Street Wastewater Treatment Plant. The agenda includes an ordinance to contract with Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. for the operation and maintenance of the facility's Pure Oxygen Plant. The agreement is valued at $24,096,627.75 and is supported by the Enterprise Fund. The 69th Street facility utilizes a pure oxygen activated sludge process, necessitating specialized industrial gas generation and handling to ensure effective biological treatment. Air Products is established in this sector with proprietary technologies like Oxy-Dep™, known for optimizing biological oxygen demand, improving sludge quality, and reducing energy consumption compared to standard air systems. In addition to the oxygen plant operations, the city is moving to extend its support for clarifier assets. A second amendment to an existing contract with Brown & Root Industrial Services, LLC has been proposed to provide clarifier maintenance, repair, and replacement services. This amendment adds $6,304,827.96 to the contract maximum and extends the service period through March 15, 2027. These measures reflect a continued focus on asset management within the city's wastewater utility.