The Ames City Council took the next step toward realizing the city’s new approach for the disposal of solid waste at a special meeting on Wednesday.
The council unanimously approved awarding a contract to Omaha-based HDR Engineering to develop a Resource Recovery and Recycling Campus (R3C) plan, spending no more than $50,000.
R3C goals: Under the R3C plan, solid waste including recyclables and yard waste would be consolidated and transported to a landfill for disposal. Recyclable materials would be forwarded to recyclers, and yard waste material would be either composted on site or hauled off-site for disposal.
The City has purchase agreements in place for approximately 9.5 acres along Freel Drive on which to build the R3C.
The city is in talks with the Carroll County Solid Waste Management Commission for final disposition of waste that will come through the new R3C.
Yet to be determined are project designs and tipping fees.
Why HDR: HDR Engineering was selected from a pool of four firms responding to the city’s request for proposals. An evaluation team invited the top two firms for a presentation.
According to that team, “HDR demonstrated that their national and local experience in the solid waste industry is extensive, and they can provide a solution that is scalable, using phasing to get a project that will meet the city’s needs. HDR’s experience with the current Resource Recovery Plant and Carroll County Solid Waste Management Commission is valuable, and they will meet the tight timeframe for the study.”
Next Steps: The council expects to see the consultant’s final report in late June. That’s time to determine if there are any roadblocks that would prevent closing on purchasing the properties involved. Money for the project will come from the Resource Recovery Fund which has a projected balance of $1.1 million at the end of this fiscal year.
