Primary Clarifier Rehabilitation

Project Overview

Primary clarifiers are large covered tanks near the beginning of the wastewater treatment process. They slow the flow so heavier solids can settle and floating material can be removed before the water moves to the next stage of treatment.

The Newport Water Pollution Control Facility has six primary settling tanks. Four were built in the 1950s and two were added in the 1980s. Inspections identified aging protective coatings, concrete deterioration, corrosion, and worn mechanical equipment. Construction is underway to rehabilitate the tanks and replace major equipment before additional failures reduce treatment reliability.

Why the Work Is Needed

• Maintain reliable removal of solids at the beginning of the treatment process
• Protect downstream treatment equipment from unnecessary loading
• Support compliance with state wastewater discharge permit requirements
• Reduce the risk of unplanned equipment failures or reduced treatment performance
• Improve access for inspection and routine maintenance
• Extend the service life of critical wastewater infrastructure

Scope of Work

• Repair deteriorated concrete, cracks, and expansion joints
• Remove failed coatings and install new protective systems designed for wastewater conditions
• Replace clarifier collection mechanisms and related internal equipment
• Replace influent gates, effluent weirs, baffles, valves, and other process components
• Install improved access cover systems
• Complete supporting electrical and control system modifications
• Provide temporary pumping and staged flow control during construction

Keeping the Facility Operating

The treatment facility must remain in service throughout construction. Work will be completed in stages, with temporary pumping and planned flow control used while individual work areas are taken out of service. Operators will continue monitoring treatment performance and regulatory compliance.

No interruption to normal sewer service is anticipated. The construction plan will be reviewed and adjusted as needed to protect treatment continuity, worker safety, and water quality.

Schedule and Current Status

• 2024: Detailed condition assessment completed
• 2025: Basis of design and project development completed
• January and February 2026: Project contract amendment executed
• 2026 (current): Construction underway, phased to keep the treatment facility operating
• Construction approach: Tanks and related systems are being rehabilitated in stages
• Construction duration: Approximately 22 months under the executed contract

The schedule may change based on field conditions, equipment delivery, regulatory requirements, and approved contract changes. Major milestones will be posted as work advances.

Cost and Funding

The authorized project budget is up to $25 million. Construction is proceeding under an executed contract.

Project costs are being managed through the Water Pollution Control enterprise fund and financing authorized by the City Council. Any borrowing or rate action requiring separate Council approval will follow the applicable public process. This page will be updated if the authorized budget or funding plan materially changes.

The Water Pollution Control Division operates as an enterprise fund, separate from the City’s general budget; sewer charges are paid only by sewer customers and are not collected through taxes.

What This Means for the Public

• Customers can continue to use the sewer system normally
• Most work will occur within the existing treatment facility site
• Nearby properties may notice periodic construction vehicles and noise
• No expansion or increase in permitted treatment capacity is proposed
• Material changes in schedule, cost, or expected public impacts will be posted on this page

Environmental and Site Limits

The project is limited to rehabilitation and replacement within existing tanks, channels, treatment structures, and developed areas of the facility. It does not propose new treatment buildings, additional capacity, land acquisition, or expansion of the facility footprint.

Construction is being managed in accordance with applicable permits, approvals, and environmental requirements. Work remains within the existing developed treatment facility site.

Project Oversight

The City of Newport Department of Utilities is responsible for owner oversight, budget control, regulatory coordination, and public reporting. The facility operator will coordinate construction with ongoing treatment operations. The engineer of record will support design compliance, inspection, testing, startup, and project closeout.