Engineering Services for Wastewater Effluent Disinfection System Project

2026-11-03

The existing Wastewater Treatment Plant ( WWTP ), reconstructed in 2001 , discharges primary treated effluent to Zimovia Straight under a Clean Water Act Section 301 ( h )- modified National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System ( NPDES ) Permit # AK0021466 . The existing WWTP utilizes a primary clarification process to meet the discharge requirements of their NPDES permit / 301 ( h ) waiver . The WWTP includes influent pumping , influent mechanical screening , an aeration basin , sedimentation basin , and lab facilities / offices . While the 2001 treatment facility modifications historically permitted the discharge of primary treated effluent , evolving regulatory standards now necessitate a significant infrastructure upgrade . The Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) retains jurisdiction over Clean Water Act Section 301 ( h )- modified permits in the State of Alaska . In consultation with Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation ( ADEC ) for the Section 401 of the Clean Water Act , EPA has determined to issue the wastewater treatment plant ’ s variance from secondary treatment requirements in accordance with the draft 301 ( h )- modified NPDES permit . As requested , the Borough submitted Forms 2G and 2M to ADEC and EPA for an analysis of the mixing zone and antidegradation in the waters receiving the effluent as part of the Section 401 Certificate process for ADEC who uses information submitted on a complete Form 2G in satisfying the antidegradation requirements of 18 AAC 70 . 016 . In accordance with 18 AAC 70 . 016 , Antidegradation implementation methods for discharges authorized under the federal Clean Water Act , ADEC reviewed the Borough ’ s Antidegradation Form 2G and determined that the information provided by complies with the requirements of 18 AAC 70 . 016 . ADEC issued a Final Certification of Reasonable Assurance which is contingent on the inclusion of the stipulations : • ADEC authorized mixing zones in Zimovia Strait for ammonia , dissolved oxygen , enterococcus bacteria , fecal coliform bacteria , and temperature contained in the discharge from the Wrangell WWTF . The mixing zones are defined in terms of dilution and area . • ADEC required the establishment of a 5 - year Compliance Schedule in the NPDES permit by which final effluent limits must be met . • ADEC required the permit to contain final fecal coliform effluent limits identified by daily maximums and by 30 - day geometric mean units . • ADEC required the permit to contain final enterococcus bacteria limits identified by daily maximums and by 30 - day geometric mean units . Following the issuance of the final NPDES renewal permit on November 1 , 2025 , the facility is subject to more stringent fecal coliform limits and newly established enterococcus requirements . To achieve compliance , the Borough must complete all necessary upgrades within the five - year window ending in November 2030 . A . Phase 1 : Alternatives Analysis The City and Borough of Wrangell , Alaska ( Borough ) is soliciting Statements of Qualifications from experienced engineering firms to provide comprehensive engineering and technical services for the Wastewater Effluent Disinfection System project . The successful respondent will lead a multi - phase project encompassing an alternatives analysis , design , permitting , and construction administration and inspection services . Evaluation criteria will encompass firm history , federal funds engineering experience , key personnel qualifications , current workload , proposed service scope , project references , and fee percentages . Project completion timeline for engineering service work for the Alternatives Analysis providing for a facility plan that evaluates alternatives to meet the final effluent limitations for fecal coliform and enterococcus bacteria and select a preferred alternative is one year from the date of the NPDES permit . To meet the permit ’ s special condition deadline of November 1 , 2026 for the Alternatives Analysis , the project schedule for this phase is outlined under 4 . 4 Proposed Schedule . Under this project phase , the Consultant will : 1 . Coordinate with the Borough to define the specific scope , schedule , budget , and fee to complete the Analysis in the timeframe outlined . 2 . Conduct a comprehensive site and facility assessment of the existing facility and project site to establish a baseline and understanding for the alternatives analysis . This evaluation will inform the Phase 2 scope , ensuring seamless integration between the preliminary conceptualization and the final design and construction phases 3 . Develop the Disinfection Alternatives Analysis with full report to evaluate and justify specific effluent treatment technologies . The analysis will assess each alternative based on technical feasibility , project implementation requirements , and overall life - cycle value . Key deliverables within the report include : a . Detailed construction cost estimates , long - term operating and power costs comparisons , chemical delivery , and maintenance considerations . b . Identification of permitting requirements , site and environmental constraints , and physical site footprints . c . Recommendations for practical project delivery methods and a roadmap for system integration . d . Direct engagement with equipment manufacturers and suppliers to provide evidence - based product specifications . It is the intent of the Borough to retain the selected firm as the Owner ’ s engineer through the full lifecycle of the project , from alternatives analysis to final commissioning of the project . B . Phase 2 : Future Contract Amendments for Design and Construction Phases ( 60 - Month Period ) The Borough intends to utilize the contract resulting from this RFQ solicitation for the additional project phases , and / or associated projects , over a 60 - month period . Those additional services will be added through contract amendment and are related to the infrastructure project to advance the work identified in this RFQ . The scope of future services includes , but is not limited to , final engineering design , geotechnical investigation , surveying , environmental review , permitting , and construction administration and inspection for follow - on work for the project ( s ). Funding for these additional services will be executed only upon the obligation of further funding , including federal funding , and will comply with all funding source requirements , including federal regulation 2 CFR 200 .

Alaska

2026-04-28