Allegheny County Sanitary Authority

The board meeting included informational updates such as the Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion cost report, showing over $363 million in completed work, and the issuance of notice to proceed for the wet weather pump station. The board recognized receiving the NACWA National Environmental Achievement Award for the North End plan expansion project, specifically for operations and environmental performance. Updates were provided on several construction change orders, including those related to the energy recovery facility and the CSO bypass and disinfection project, involving equipment changes and meeting ALCOSAN standards. Furthermore, several action items were approved, including the authorization of payments for invoices exceeding specified thresholds, the award of contracts for miscellaneous sewer improvements and the delivery of defoaming agent, and approval of construction management services for sewer and valve replacement projects. The board also authorized advertisements for bids for chemical cleaning of filter media and for a new biosolids management service contract. Finally, several service authorizations for professional consultants were approved, including additional engineering support for stack testing and HVAC improvement projects, and a resolution was adopted to amend the sewage facilities plan for the Oakdale pump station and Robinson run interceptor sewer system.

The meeting focused on three informational items: background and overview of biosolids generation, the current biosolids management services contract (Contract 1743), and proposed contract modifications. Discussions covered the two operational systems for sludge processing, resulting in Class B biosolids (Alka-Sil) via lime stabilization, and incineration, noting a recent trend toward a 50/50 split between these methods. Details were provided on beneficial use options, including agricultural land application and tree trenching, alongside landfill disposal. The scope of the service provider's work, including hauling, permitting, soil sampling, logistics, application, monitoring, and reporting, was outlined. Proposed contract modifications include moving back to a single contract structure (removing the summer/winter split for beneficial use targets), updating the penalty and incentive program, and addressing potential regulatory changes, such as PAS limitations. The committee recommended advertising for a new biosolids management service contract.

The meeting commenced with an executive session during which no votes were taken, followed by the pledge of allegiance. The board proceeded with the reorganization by electing officers, confirming the slate for Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer. Key discussions included an overview of the tunnel program, which is the largest capital investment in the clean water program, composed of three projects including the Ohio River Tunnel and Alageney River Tunnel extensions. Progress on the Ohio River Tunnel, which is out for bid with a February 26, 2026 bid date, was detailed, including early works projects like demolition and site preparations at various shaft sites. Updates were provided on the Alageney River Tunnel and the upper Alagany consolidation sewer project, both currently in design phases. The role of the program management consultant team, led by Jacobs, in managing governance, budget, schedule, stakeholder engagement, and technical standards was outlined. The board also reviewed the geotechnical baseline report and risk management strategies. Action items included the approval of operating revenues and expenses for 2025, the 2026 capital budget status report, and the authorization of construction change orders, specifically related to repairs at the Energy Recovery Facility incinerator building and improvements at the dewatering facility.

The public meeting focused on an update regarding infrastructure investment both inside and outside the plant, coinciding with the organization's work on the Clean Water Plan. Key discussion points included the organization's role as the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority, providing wastewater treatment to 83 communities, and operating a single 50-acre treatment plant with a capacity of 250 million gallons per day. A significant problem discussed was the annual release of nine billion gallons of untreated overflow into rivers and streams during wet weather events due to combined sewer systems. The presentation detailed requirements of the Consent Decree, which mandates eliminating Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSO) and reducing Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO). The modified Consent Decree, negotiated in 2008, extended compliance deadlines. The Clean Water Plan is the strategy to meet these requirements, split into four pillars: plant expansion, regional tunnel system, regionalization, and green infrastructure/source control. Plant expansion efforts include increasing secondary treatment capacity to 295 million gallons per day by 2025 and increasing wet weather capacity to 600 million gallons per day by 2029. Specific construction projects highlighted were the North End Plant Expansion (including process tanks and a river wall), the East Headworks project, the CSO bypass and disinfection project, construction of two new primary tanks and a wet weather pump station, and the building of a new parking garage to free up space for future expansion. Updates were also provided on the Return Activated Sludge (RAS) project and electrical distribution system upgrades.

The meeting commenced with a roll call and the pledge of allegiance, noting that the session was held virtually due to county quarantine measures. Key discussions involved the report on 2020 operating costs and revenue for the first quarter through March 31st, which indicated strong financial performance. Action items included authorizing bids for the return activated sludge pipe and pump replacement related to ongoing plant expansion. Contracts were approved for repairing leaks at the operations and maintenance facility, where cost increases were partially attributed to COVID-19 supply issues. Professional services agreements were authorized for G. Stephens company for engineering and consulting work at the laboratory industrial waste facility and parking garage (pre-construction services only), MS Consulting for engineering related to the Homestead transforming 12th avenue project, and GI Consulting for ongoing stack testing emissions monitoring. An award was recommended for effluent flushing water system improvements to Wade Trim, noting the system's role in reducing potable water costs. Additionally, modification services were approved for Mark USA to create a customer relations management system for the governmental affairs division to improve communication with municipalities. Finally, the board approved proposals recommended by the authorities risk management consultant for property casualty and workman's comp insurance, which came in under budget, and authorized the execution of a declaration of registration for the new vehicle maintenance garage storm water management plan.