By JIMMY LAWTON

OGDENSBURG – Ogdensburg City Council will enter $3.6 million agreement with GHD Consulting Services Inc. for the Wastewater System Improvement project.

Council approved the agreement Monday, but City Manager Sarah Purdy is not expected to execute the deal until it has been reviewed by the city’s attorney.

GHD has been working with the Development Authority of the North Country and city employees to establish the most cost effective method for rehabilitating and upgrading the city’s aging wastewater treatment plant.

The current cost is estimated at about $35 million, including the engineering costs of the $3.6 million.

City council agreed to borrow up to $39 million at a previous meeting, but councilors are hopeful they can reduce the cost as the plan is finalized.

The price tag includes a total overhaul of the plant, which has components that have long exceeded their lifespan according to GHD consultants.

The savings identified by the engineers will come largely from a DEC mandated 800,000-gallon tank. Originally the city was going to need to purchase a new one, but engineers believe they can repurpose and modify an existing tank to meet the requirements, which would reduce the price tag by millions of dollars.

The city is also hopeful it can offset $10 million of the project cost through state and federal grants. If that happens the local share would be reduced to about $25 million.

The city is also eyeing a zero interest 30-year loan.

Equipment in the facility is 40 to 50 years old and is becoming costly to maintain and dangerous for staff and the city in general, according to consultants. Although the city has since taken action to address some issues.

The city has also had nearly 20 violations of non-compliance with its State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, which consultants say is likely lead to legal action from the state.

The improvements to the plant are expected to have a 30-year life span.