Sludge Removal Services

Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority is requesting sealed proposals for sludge removal services via the Pennbid Program, with proposals due July 13, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., and is awarding to the lowest responsive bid from a responsible bidder.

The scope covers removal, transportation, and disposal of dewatered sludge from the Harvey Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant in Doylestown to an approved Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection permitted landfill. Operations must occur Monday through Friday between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. The contractor must maintain three dedicated 25-yard dumpsters (two onsite, one offsite) and handle estimated volumes of 75 tons per week on average, with minimum loads of 16 tons and maximum loads of 18 tons per trip, not to exceed 180 tons over a two-week period. The contractor must obtain PA DEP Form 43 certification and provide proof of a separate approved emergency disposal facility.

The contract is structured as a unit-price contract for services rendered monthly, with an initial five-year term and one optional successive five-year renewal term. Pricing is submitted as a fixed base rate per ton for the initial five-year term; renewal pricing escalates by Consumer Price Index (CPI-Urban USA) or a contractor-specified percentage cap. Additional cost increases apply for landfill host municipality fees under Act 101, recycling and post-closure fees, governmental taxes, and actual expenditures from regulatory changes. The Authority reserves the right to terminate with 90 days' written notice prior to any contract anniversary date.

Contractors must demonstrate similar work experience within two years prior to bid submission in an amount not less than 75% of the proposed contract value. Insurance requirements include comprehensive general liability of not less than $1,000,000, pollution liability of not less than $1,000,000, and excess umbrella liability of not less than $2,000,000. Bid security of 10% of the bid price (certified check or bid bond) is required; security will be returned to all except the three lowest formal bidders within 10 days of bid opening. The successful bidder must execute the contract within 10 working days of acceptance and provide performance and payment bonds each equal to 100% of the total contract price, renewable annually. Liquidated damages of $300 per occasion apply if sludge removal does not occur during the prescribed window. Site inspections may be scheduled by contacting Kevin Deetz at (215) 461-9034 between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.