The Montrose City Council approved a $1.35 million contract Tuesday with the design-build team of Burns & McDonnell and Moltz Construction to begin the design phase of significant upgrades to the city’s aging wastewater treatment plant.

Originally built in 1984, the plant is due for major improvements, including the replacement of brush aerators, ultraviolet disinfection systems, and aging screw pumps. The project will also involve installing an additional anaerobic zone to improve phosphorus removal and meet stricter environmental regulations.

“Many of the components are the same components that were there when it was built,” said David Bries, the city’s utilities director. “Those components of the treatment plant are near the end of their life, as well as [facing] more stringent standards that the federal and state government is putting on us.”

The $1.35 million contract includes $1.27 million for design work, $35,000 for surveys and geotechnical assessments, and a $76,745 contingency to cover any unexpected costs. The design phase will help finalize construction plans and cost estimates, with construction expected to begin in 2026.

“There will probably be some items that are identified through this process that need to be addressed,” Bries added. “One of those things that we have discovered is the standby generator, which is old and needs to be replaced.”

Gearbox Replacement Approved

In addition to approving the design contract, the council approved a $77,770 contract with Moltz Construction for the installation of a replacement gearbox on one of the plant’s secondary clarifiers.

Last year, city staff discovered brass shavings in the gearbox, leading to the purchase of a replacement assembly. Due to the specialized nature of the installation, Moltz Construction was selected to handle the work, which is expected to take two weeks. The removed gearbox will be rebuilt and installed on a second clarifier facing similar issues.

Financial Impacts

The design phase is funded through the 2025 Sewer Fund budget, which allocated $3 million for preliminary work. City officials plan to issue bonds or loans to cover construction costs beginning in 2026.

“This project is critical for maintaining compliance with environmental standards and ensuring that our wastewater infrastructure can support the city’s needs well into the future,” city staff said during the meeting.

The improvements aim to extend the lifespan of the plant and enhance its efficiency while meeting update standards.