Redlands approves trio of infrastructure upgrades at landfill and wastewater plant
City Council approves more than $3.6 million in contracts to modernize lab facilities, stabilize hillside terrain and install an ultra-low emissions flare system.
REDLANDS, Calif. — Redlands City Council approved three major public works contracts aimed at overhauling aging infrastructure at the city’s landfill and wastewater treatment plant.
Why it matters: Together, the improvements represent more than $3.6 million in investments to ensure environmental compliance, stabilize critical terrain and modernize testing facilities that safeguard public health. City officials described the upgrades as essential for keeping Redlands’ waste management systems functional, efficient and up to today’s regulatory standards after decades without major updates.
The council approved three key projects Tuesday. These include:
An Ultra-Low Emissions Flare System
The city awarded a $268,200 professional services agreement to Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. to design and permit an ultra-low emissions flare at the California Street Landfill and Wastewater Treatment Plant. The new system will replace the city’s 25-year-old flare, ensuring compliance with South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) regulations and significantly reducing emissions.
“I’m glad it’s being engineered,” Councilmember Paul Barich said about the flare.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Hillside Stabilization
The council also awarded a $299,828 contract to Demo Leaders, Inc. to stabilize slopes surrounding the Wastewater Treatment Plant, which have suffered erosion and runoff issues in recent years. The project will construct retaining walls, drainage systems, reinforced stairways and landscaping to improve access, control sediment flow and protect nearby infrastructure.
“We are about to do a $45 million rebuild of the plant,” said Municipal Utilities and Engineering Department Director John Harris. “So the goal of this project is to shore up that slope so that we don’t have access problems and we don’t do any damage when we are trying to construct the improvements of the plant.”
Joint Utilities Laboratory Renovation and Expansion
A Public Works Construction Contract was approved with Elegant Construction, Inc. for $3.09 million to renovate and expand the city’s Joint Utilities Laboratory, which is an Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program certified facility. Originally built in 1988, the facility has not seen major upgrades despite expanded regulatory testing requirements. The renovation will add nearly 2,000 square feet of lab space, improving Redlands’ capacity to test water, wastewater and biosolids for safety and compliance.
“The ultimate project would expand the lab itself,” Harris said during the Tuesday night meeting. “We looked at various ways to do that to keep costs down, and the most cost effective way to do that is to split the project up into two, possibly three, phases, the first of which we are talking about tonight.”
Moving forward: Each project will now advance to construction once design and permitting are finalized.
The laboratory renovation is expected to be completed within 270 working days while the hillside stabilization should be completed in 60 working days following a Notice to Proceed, according to the council meeting agenda.
The projects align with the city’s long-term sustainability goals and strategic plan priorities. The move also highlights growing statewide pressure on municipalities to meet stricter air quality and emissions standards.
Kathryne is a journalist and creative writer who has contributed to CFR since 2023. When she isn't reporting, she can be found curled up with a thick fantasy book.
