Title
Adopt a Resolution to Approve and Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Non-Professional Services Agreement with Synagro-WWT, Inc. for a Not-To-Exceed Amount of $830,000 for Biosolids Hauling from the City’s Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) for a Period of Four Years
Staffreport
COUNCIL PRIORITY
• Infrastructure
SUMMARY
This biosolids hauling and disposal service will remove approximately 10,000 tons of biosolids from the Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) over the next 4 years. The biosolids will be land applied in accordance with all applicable regulations.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends City Council adopt a Resolution to approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a Non-Professional Services Agreement with Synagro-WWT, Inc. for Biosolids Hauling and Disposal Services.
BACKGROUND
As part of the wastewater process, solids are removed from the wastewater. After anaerobic digestion, sludge is thickened to about 14% solids concentration. The sludge is then spread on drying beds to air dry, which generally happens during the summer months. The Water Pollution Control Plant currently has seven drying beds on site. After drying, the biosolids need to be disposed of properly. In this agreement, the biosolids will be land applied, in compliance with all regulations.
Land application for biosolids is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which sets the required testing and constituent limits the biosolids must meet. The EPA specifies Class A and Class B biosolids, with Class A having stricter microbial limits and broader allowable disposal locations. With sufficient drying, WPCP biosolids can meet Class A biosolids. However, most of the biosolids fall in Class B because of limited drying space.
Analysis
On December 12, 2024, the City conducted a formal bid opening for biosolids hauling and disposal services based on price per ton for Class A, Class B biosolids and wet season disposal of Class B. The City received two bids and the lowest for all three categories ($78/ton for class A $83/ton for class B) was from Synargo-WWT, Inc.
The City currently has approximately 2500 tons of biosolids to be hauled immediately. WPCP produces an estimated 2500 wet tons of biosolids annually, which can vary based on weather conditions. The contract is for a total of 10,000 tons within a 4-year period. Staff will request purchase orders for an appropriate budgeted amount for each fiscal year during the agreement.
The cost of biosolids disposal is increasing faster than inflation. During the last biosolids bid in late 2019, the low bid price was $52.50. The increased price reflects the increase in hauling costs and reduced availability of land application sites. Nearby treatment plants have experienced similar increases, with similar current costs per ton.
The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) plan includes planning and implementation of technology to speed biosolids drying, which could allow the production of Class A biosolids and would reduce the amount of water hauled with the solids. Staff will be working to analyze options to determine if this project would save costs for the City.
Legal Analysis
The consultant has agreed to the terms of the contract.
Financial Impacts
This agreement will cost approximately $207,500 annually. Sufficient funds are included in the 2024-2025 Water Pollution Control Plant Budget:
• WPCP Fund - Operations, Account 593-51-002-5161
ATTACHMENTS
A: Resolution to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Non-Professional Services Agreement with Synagro-WWT, Inc. For a Not-To-Exceed Amount of $830,000 for Biosolids Hauling from the City’s Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) For a Period of Four Years
B: Non-Professional Services Agreement Biosolids Hauling and Disposal scope of work.
C: Non-Professional Services Agreement Biosolids Hauling and Disposal compensation schedule
PREPARED BY:
Ramya Sankar, Management Analyst II, Water Pollution Control Division
Hayes Morehouse, Water Pollution Control Manager