Alaska's largest fisheries lab swaps ozone for ultraviolet to treat its water

NOAA is replacing the disinfection system at Alaska's largest fisheries research facility, north of Juneau.

The Ted Stevens Marine Research Institute at Lena Point houses the Alaska Fisheries Science Center's Auke Bay Laboratories, 66,000 square feet of offices and 33,000 square feet of labs. Scientists there study sablefish, rockfish, salmon and the habitats and food webs those fish depend on, and the stock assessments they produce go to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council and federal regulators. The building draws filtered seawater for its labs and takes the used water back for sterilization before discharge.

The contract replaces an outdated ozone treatment system with three ultraviolet disinfection units, and a sand filter in place of cartridge filters. NOAA's June solicitation described the goal as ensuring compliance with state regulations, and specified conformity with Alaska wastewater rules and a national standard for wastewater treatment systems.

Harri Plumbing & Heating, Inc. of Juneau won the work at $155,653, beating three other bidders for a job NOAA set aside for small business. The award covers parts and installation. Work began Aug. 14 and runs through Oct. 30.

NOAA urged bidders to visit the site before quoting, noting that Juneau is reachable only by plane or boat.