TO: Indian River County Board of County Commissioners
THROUGH: John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator
Sean C. Lieske, Director, Department of Utility Services
Howard G. Richards, PE, Manager - Capital Projects
FROM: Paola Talavera, Associate Engineer, Utility Services
DATE: September 23, 2025
SUBJECT: Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. Work Order 21 for Wabasso Repump Station Conversion - IRCDUS Project ID 21.25.519
__________________________________________________________________
BACKGROUND
Indian River County Department of Utilities Services (IRCDUS) owns and operates the Wabasso Water Reclamation Facility (WRF). The treatment system has been out of commission for several years, and the site now strictly operates as a re-pump station for domestic wastewater flows. Domestic wastewater from two separate force mains cascades into an open tank structure (old digesters) and is re-pumped through a 16-inch force main that routes southbound on Old Dixie Highway to the Gifford (Central) WRF. Nine (9) additional lift stations discharge into the 16-inch force main downstream of this station.
ANALYSIS
Much of the existing treatment infrastructure at the Wabasso WRF has deteriorated due to age and lack of use. The cascading force mains entering the old digesters has resulted in corrosion of nearby structures and odor issues. There is also significant grease build-up in the tanks. Furthermore, the existing site has several safety issues pertaining to deteriorated catwalks, gratings, hand railings and other surface components that need to be addressed for staff safety.
There is a proposed development adjacent to the Wabasso WRF that is prompting the need for improvements to the site in order to contain the odors. As such, IRCDUS initiated the Wabasso Re-pump Station Conversion project (Project ID 21.25.519) to convert the station to an inline station. A key objective of the conversion is to eliminate the use of the old digester tanks to receive incoming wastewater flows. A study to investigate options for the station conversion was completed in November 2023. The hydraulic analysis of the configuration evaluated at the time, concluded that the 16-inch downstream force main would require up-sizing which represent a significantly higher investment in the project. It was then decided to defer further analysis of the station to the Integrated Water Master Plan (IWMP), projected for completion in mid-summer 2026.
As time progressed since the prior study, the above-mentioned concerns as well as increasing sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) has elevated the urgency of the project. IRCDUS selected Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc. (KHA) to update the study and complete design of the project. KHA was selected due to their experience designing Lift Station 89, the only inline pump station in the IRCDUS wastewater system. Upon request by IRCDUS staff, KHA provided the attached Work Order 21 (WO 21), pursuant to Continuing Contract Agreement, dated May 2, 2023, to perform hydraulic modeling, design, permitting, and bid phase professional services associated with the Wabasso Repump Station Conversion in the amount is $464,623.95. It should be noted that, upon completion of KHA services under WO 21, a new work order is proposed to be issued to KHA, or other appropriate consultant, for construction phase services.
BUDGETARY IMPACT
It should be noted that the Wabasso Repump Station Conversion project is not budgeted in the currently approved Water and Sewer Capital Improvement Element (CIE). To fund this project, expenses in the amount of $464,623.95 will be recorded in the Utilities/WIP/Wabasso Repump Station Conversion account, number 471-169000-25519. Since this is an operating capital project, the funds will come from fund balance. Operating funds are derived from water and sewer sales.
|
Description |
Account Number |
Amount |
|
Utilities/WIP/Wabasso Repump Station Conversion |
471-169000-25519 |
$464,623.95 |
POTENTIAL FUTURE BOARD ACTIONS
Approval of a proposed new Work Order to KHA for Construction Phase Services.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
Infrastructure: Planning, constructing, managing, and maintaining critical public infrastructure in response to our current needs, future demands, and the expectations of our community; embracing innovation, technology, and resiliency.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Indian River County Board of County Commissioners approve Work Order 21 pursuant to Continuing Contract Agreement, dated May 2, 2023 to Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. to provide professional services for the Wabasso Repump Station Conversion project (Project ID 21.25.519) in the amount of $464,623.95 and authorize the Chair to execute the same. So long as there are no changes in the dollar amount under the amount approved, upon adequate completion of the work set forth in the work order, staff is directed to make final payments to Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.