E3. Fermenter Recommend ConsultantCITYOF
KALISPELL
TO: Doug Russell, City Manager
FROM: Susie Turner, P.E., Public Works Director
SUBJECT: Fermenter Rehabilitation Project Professional Service Recommendation
MEETING DATE: May 17, 2021
BACKGROUND: A condition assessment of the Wastewater Treatment Plant's (WWTP)
fermenter was performed in July 2020. The condition assessment evaluated the fermenter
concrete, concrete coatings, piping, hardware, equipment, launder, ventilation system, and
access points. The initial assessment of the fermenter yielded some insight into the condition
of structure and equipment, but further assessment is required to determine a final
rehabilitation or replacement scope. Areas of contaminated concrete were discovered as well
as section loss of interior steel components. Several testing procedures and a follow-up
assessment are required to better understand the condition of the structural components of the
fermenter in order to devise a final rehabilitation strategy.
The City has allocated funds to procure a qualified firm to provide professional engineering
services to complete a Phase 2 assessment, recommend a rehabilitation/replacement strategy, and
provide design and construction engineering for the required fermenter improvements.
The City advertised a request for Statements of Qualifications from professional firms and
received two submittals. The Selection Committee scored the firms after reviewing the
submittals and reference information. The Selection Committee consisted of five City staff
members from the Engineering, Water Resource, and Wastewater Operations Divisions within
the Public Works Department.
REQUIRED SERVICES: In general, the consultants will:
1. Mechanical: Inspect, analyze, and evaluate the structural and mechanical performance
of the contaminated concrete in the fermenter including the walls, floor, and launder.
2. Steel Structure: Inspect, analyze, and evaluate the status of existing metal structure and
metal protective coating in the fermenter. Perform thickness readings on metal
components to determine extent of section loss.
3. Concrete:
• Coordinate with local concrete companies to collect several concrete core samples
from within the structure. Coordinate with certified laboratories to have samples
analyzed for pH, carbonation levels, chloride concentration, and compressive strength.
• Collect samples from the surface of contaminated concrete for forensic analysis.
Coordinate with certified laboratories to have samples analyzed for iron content and
Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy.
Public Works Department, 201 1st Ave E, Kalispell, MT
www.Kalispell.com
CITYOF
KALISPELL
4. Report: Prepare a technical report of investigations, findings, cost estimates, and
recommendations. Report to include development of alternatives for repairs and/or
replacement of concrete and metal components.
5. Design: Prepare engineering designs, drawings, specifications, and construction
documents as required for the repairs and replacements as deemed necessary by
the City.
6. Construction:
• Administer bids for repairs and replacements, as required, including such items as
preparations of bid documents, pre -bid meetings, review of bids, and recommendation
for award.
• Provide construction management for repair and replacement operations including, but
not necessarily limited to a preconstruction meeting, inspection, testing service,
preparation of pay requests and certifications of completed work.
• Provide follow up inspection(s), as required, such as a one-year warranty inspection.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff is recommending HDR Engineering be awarded the project
based on their qualifications which includes technical expertise, experience, and knowledge of
the following:
• Kalispell's Wastewater Treatment Plant Process and Structure
• Project Management
• Relevant Projects —Coating and tank rehabilitation projects
• Construction Management
ACTION REQUESTED: Motion to select HDR Engineering as the Professional Consultant
team for the Fermenter Rehabilitation Project.
FISCAL EFFECTS: Professional service costs for the Fermenter Rehabilitation Project are
allocated in the WWTP's FY 21 Budget Line Item 358: Fermenter Assessment and FY 22
Budget Line Item 922: Design Fermenter Reconstruction.
ALTERNATIVES: As suggested by the City Council.
Public Works Department, 201 1st Ave E, Kalispell, MT
www.Kalispell.com