Washougal approves wastewater treatment plant improvements

A company from Stayton, Ore., has been awarded a wastewater treatment plant improvements project contract in Washougal.

The $12.16 million bid, submitted by Slayden Construction Group, Inc., was $431,000 lower than the estimated cost of the project.

The city received 10 bids, with the highest submitted by Tapani, Inc. ($14.38 million).

The improvements at 3900 state Route 14 will include construction of a second influent pump station, oxidation ditch flow distribution structure, second oxidation ditch and ultra violet/effluent pumping building for treatment and disinfection.

The project will also include a storm water decant facility, process power distribution system, a new fiber optic network to facilitate process control upgrades and support the supervisory control and data acquisition system, plant water system improvements and other related utility systems.

The direction from the Washougal City Council regarding the method of payment for the improvements is to follow the recommendation from consultant Paul Lewis. It includes pursuing a $5 million revenue bond this year and combining that with proceeds from previous revenue bond and utility cash reserves to keep the project going.

The city could also continue pursuing preferred state loan funding from the Public Works Trust Fund and State Revolving Fund. If successful, Washougal could use the state funds to complete the project. If not successful, the city could issue another revenue bond in 2015.

The wastewater treatment plant improvements project is mandated by the state.