TO: Members of the City Council
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
|
Public Works |
Aaron Bert |
425-556-2786 |
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
|
Public Works |
Ken Waldo |
Environmental Scientist |
|
Public Works |
Lisa Rigg |
Senior Engineer |
|
Public Works |
Ernest Fix |
Operations Manager |
|
Public Works |
Chris Stenger |
Deputy Director |
TITLE:
title
Approve Consultant Agreement with Hazen and Sawyer for Feasibility and Pre-design Analysis for PFAS Treatment for Wells 1 and 2
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
Public Works is requesting approval of a consultant agreement with Hazen and Sawyer in the amount of $284,276 for feasibility and pre-design services for potential PFAS Treatment for Wells 1 and 2.
BACKGROUND:
PFAS regulations have been evolving in recent years, both at the state and federal level. On April 10, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized the first-ever maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for six PFAS chemicals, which takes effect in 2029. Effective on January 15, 2026, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) will decrease the State Action Levels for six PFAS chemicals to align with EPA’s MCLs.
Based on water sample results at Supply Wells 1 and 2, it is anticipated that treatment will be needed by 2029 to meet the EPA MCL for perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). Public Works is proposing to move forward with a pre-design analysis for PFAS treatment for Wells 1 and 2 as the first step in formal design and potential construction of a treatment facility. Attachment B shows recent sample results for Supply Wells 1 and 2.
Four consultant Statement of Qualification (SOQ) documents were selected from the MRSC roster for PFAS treatment services. Requests for project-specific SOQs were issued to the selected consultants, and three firms submitted responses. The SOQs were evaluated and scored by three stakeholder teams within Public Works. Hazen and Sawyer received the highest overall rating for this project. Public Works and the consultant are working together to finalize scope and budget.
..body
☒ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☐ Receive Information ☐ Provide Direction ☒ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
• Relevant Plans/Policies:
Water System Plan
• Required:
Council approval is required to award an Architectural and Engineering Services agreement that exceeds $50,000 (2018 City Resolution 1503)
• Council Request:
N/A
• Other Key Facts:
PFAS treatment is required by April 26, 2029, if sampling levels remain above defined thresholds. Failing to treat will result in having to stop serving water from Wells 1 and 2.
OUTCOMES:
The feasibility and pre-design analysis will provide direction and preliminary testing for PFAS treatment for Wells 1 and 2. The results of the analysis will provide the framework for a Capital Project to build long-term treatment for removal of PFAS from the well water. The project, once complete, will allow the City to continue to serve water from Wells 1 and 2 long-term.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
Future communication will include notification to customers within the well service area based on DOH requirements.
• Outreach Methods and Results:
Current Communication: Results of PFAS detections have been shared via the city website redmond.gov/PFAS, the Water Quality Report with a utility bill insert, and in multiple social media posts. The City website also links to the Department of Health website which includes additional information on PFAS and what steps can be taken to lower exposure. For example, using certified filters that remove PFAS.
Future Communication: Public notification of PFOS detections in Wells 1 and 2 to customers in the well service area will likely be required by DOH in Q1 2027.
• Feedback Summary:
N/A
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
$284,276
Approved in current biennial budget: ☐ Yes ☒ No ☐ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
0000267
Budget Priority:
Healthy and Sustainable
Other budget impacts or additional costs: ☒ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
If yes, explain:
Water Utility Fund Balance.
Funding source(s):
Water Operations
Budget/Funding Constraints:
None
☐ Additional budget details attached
COUNCIL REVIEW:
Previous Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
1/20/2026 |
Business Meeting |
Receive Information |
Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
2/17/2026 |
Business Meeting |
Approve |
Time Constraints:
Effective PFAS treatment needs to be in place and fully functional to allow the City to serve water from Wells 1 and 2 by April 26th, 2029, and continue to meet Cascade Water Alliance independent supply requirements.
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
The pre-design analysis is the first step in formally addressing the need for PFAS treatment for Wells 1 and 2. If it is not approved, design and construction of PFAS treatment will not move forward. This will result in removing Wells 1 and 2 from production by April 26th, 2029. Additional water will need to be purchased through Cascade Water Alliance at a significant cost increase to the City.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Hazen and Sawyer Consultant Agreement
Attachment B: PFAS Monitoring Quarterly Results
Attachment C: Consultant Fee Workbook