Subject:
Title
Approval, Re: Emergency Purchase Order (EPO) to fund the repairs of the South Central Water Reclamation Facility (SCRWRF) headworks repairs and bypass
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Fiscal Impact:
The estimated cost of the emergency repair TO the SCRWRF pretreatment structure is $1,130,635 (Attachment A, Quote).
Dept/Office:
Utility Services
Requested Action:
Recommendation
It is requested that the Board approve the Emergency Purchase Order for the repair and bypass of the SCRWRF headworks structure in the amount of $1,130,635.
It is also requested that the Board authorize the County Manager to execute all necessary budget amendments (BCRs) for the repairs, and the County Manager be authorized to approve any change orders necessary to complete the work.
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Summary Explanation and Background:
The headworks structure is the first stage of the treatment process at the South Central Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility (SCRWRF) and is critical to reliable operation of the facility. The headworks consists of two primary sections: (1) the upper section, which receives incoming wastewater and provides preliminary screening and grit removal, and (2) the lower section, contains the fine screening, as well as effluent piping that conveys wastewater to downstream treatment processes. The lower section is currently inoperable and is not providing treatment.
In 2024, after staff observed significant liner deterioration and concrete corrosion within the headworks structure, the Utility Services Department retained Black & Veatch to perform a Structural and Odor Control Evaluation. Black & Veatch conducted multiple inspections and evaluations to determine the cause and extent of the deterioration. Initially, the rate of degradation appeared stable, however, during a final site inspection in February 2026, Black & Veatch determined that the concrete deterioration was progressing more rapidly than previously anticipated. The firm further concluded that it could not verify the structure was safe for personnel access, noting that concrete failures can occur suddenly and without warning. The findings from this evaluation are provided in Attachment B. Photographs documenting the progression of the damage are included in Attachment C.
Based on the extent of the damage, the accelerating rate of deterioration, and the risk of structural failure, immediate corrective action is necessary. The SCRWRF RFQ process has not yet been completed, and the design and construction of the larger facility improvements could require several years. As a result, the Department is proposing an emergency project to repair the upper headworks structure and bypass the deteriorated lower section to maintain reliable plant operations and reduce the risk of service disruptions. Any remaining non-critical repairs and long-term improvements will be incorporated into the future SCRWRF improvement project.
Attachments:
A. Quote for Repairs and Partial Permanent Bypass
B. Black and Veatch Odor Control and Structural Assessment
C. Photo Progression Exhibit of Degradation
Clerk to the Board Instructions:
E-mail the Clerk memo to karina.perez@brevardfl.gov and mail the original to the Utility Services Department.