Washington County Approves Additional Funds for Smithsburg Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades Amidst Delays

Washington County Commissioners have authorized additional funding for construction management services related to upgrades at the Smithsburg Wastewater Treatment Plant, as reported by the Board of County Commissioners meeting on December 16, 2025. The approval of change order number 19 will allow for continued oversight from the county’s consultant which includes full-time inspection and resident engineering, as well as sub-consultant RK&K’s review of shop drawings and process services. This measure aims to ensure the accurate completion of the vital project, which has experienced significant delays primarily due to procurement issues with essential equipment.

The project’s contractor, HRI, was issued a notice to proceed in April 2024 with an initial completion target of October 2025. However, the contractor’s baseline schedule indicated a completion date of October 2026, accounting for anticipated equipment delivery timelines. HRI proactively communicated material delays early in the project, which were subsequently classified as excusable procurement delays beyond the contractor’s control. This resulted in a 334-day calendar day extension to the contract. The ongoing construction management services are deemed essential to address these delays and work towards improving the county’s final completion date. The compensation for these management services is set at an amount not to exceed $435,400, payable on a time and materials basis. Funding for this change order is available within the county’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) projects, though a budget transfer will be necessary.

The overall cost of the Smithsburg Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade has seen an increase, rising from an initial approval of approximately $3.5 million to a current total of about $5 million with this addition. The project’s funding structure is a combination of sources. While an Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR) grant provided a substantial portion of the initial construction funds, the current increase is being financed through a low-interest loan from the state, a bond issuance, and allocation from the county’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The ARPA funding is considered a grant.

Delays in equipment delivery, particularly for the crucial motor control center, have been a significant factor in the project’s extended timeline. These delays, impacting everything from major electrical panels to specialized valves, are attributed to issues with suppliers and manufacturing. The nature of these procurement delays makes it challenging to accurately predict contract lengths, as delivery times for components are often uncertain until orders are placed and confirmed. The extended timeline for equipment, such as the motor control center and specialized valves, has directly contributed to the overall project schedule extension.

The Board of County Commissioners approved the change order with a 5-0 vote, moving forward with the necessary steps to complete the Smithsburg Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrades.

Article by Ken Buckler, based upon information from the Washington County Board of County Commissioners.

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