Bellingham Wastewater Plant to Upgrade Emission Controls, Seeking GC/CM Contractors

The City of Bellingham, Washington, is initiating a significant upgrade to the air pollution control (APC) equipment at its Post Point Wastewater Treatment Plant (PPWWTP). This project, designated EU199, aims to modernize the plant’s systems to comply with stricter federal emission standards outlined in 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 60, Subpart LLLL. The city is now soliciting proposals from General Contractor/Construction Manager (GC/CM) companies for preconstruction and potential construction services.

Project Details and Scope

The PPWWTP currently operates two multiple hearth incinerators to reduce wastewater biosolids into inert ash and flue gas. These incinerators are subject to regulations under the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts, and are currently permitted under Title 40 CFR Part 62, Subpart LLL. The upgrade will focus on enhancing the plant’s exhaust gas treatment systems to meet the more stringent limits established by Title 40 CFR Part 60, Subpart LLLL.

The planned upgrades include the installation of a new wet scrubber, wet electrostatic precipitator, regenerative thermal oxidizer, selective catalytic reduction unit, and mercury control unit. To house this new equipment, a new approximately 5,000 square foot APC equipment building will be constructed north of the existing solids handling buildings. This building will similarly include a new electrical room, incinerator control room, and supporting mechanical systems like induction fans and process water pumps.

The City of Bellingham will utilize a performance-based specification approach for the APC equipment design, requiring vendors to guarantee the new equipment will meet the LLLL emissions standards.

Contracting Process and Timeline

The City intends to award a contract for GC/CM services through a two-step competitive process, as permitted by RCW 39.10, Alternative Public Works Contracting Procedures.

Key Dates:

• Pre-Proposal Meeting & Site Tour: March 17, 2026, at 1:30 PM (local time) at the Post Point Wastewater Treatment Plant, 200 McKenzie Avenue, Bellingham, WA. Attendance is not mandatory. PPE (hard hat and safety vest) is required for the site tour.
• RSVP for Site Tour: Notify the Purchasing Office by close of business March 16, 2026, of attendees. Limited to three attendees per proposing company.
• Proposal Submission Deadline: April 14, 2026, at 11:00 AM (local time). Proposals must be submitted electronically.

How to Obtain More Information

The Request for Proposals (RFP 2B-2026) can be viewed at the City of Bellingham website (https://cob.procureware.com/) or obtained from the Purchasing Office at 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, Washington, by calling (360) 778-7750.

All questions and correspondence regarding this RFP should be submitted through the City’s procurement portal or emailed to bids@cob.org.

Commitment to Equal Opportunity

The City of Bellingham is committed to ensuring full opportunity for disadvantaged business enterprises to submit bids and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, or sex in the award of this contract, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.