City of Gonzales
PUBLIC WORKS / CITY ENGINEER DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: February 7, 2022
FROM: Patrick Dobbins, Public Works Director/City Engineer THROUGH: René L. Mendez, City Manager
SUBJECT: Presentation on Efforts to Rehabilitate, Upgrade, and Increase the Capacity of the City's Wastewater System
RECOMMENDATION
Receive a presentation from City staff on efforts to rehabilitate, upgrade and increase the capacity of the City’s Wastewater System to serve the City’s current needs and expected Residential and Industrial Development.
BACKGROUND
The City operates a wastewater system that collects wastewater from homes, businesses, and industrial facilities for treatment at the City-owned municipal wastewater treatment plant located two miles west of Alta Street. The treatment plant was originally constructed in the 1940’s and has been expanded several times with the last major improvement in 2006, when its capacity was increased to 1.3MGD.
The City’s Wastewater System operates under a Waste Discharge Permit from the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (Regional Board). The treatment plant has a capacity of 1.3 million gallons/day and current sewer discharges to the plant averages 1.1 million gallons/day (MGD). To meet projected long-term demands and comply with the discharge permit regulations, the City must upgrade and expand its wastewater system.
System Demands: The estimated wastewater generation for build-out within the current City limits and the City’s Sphere of Influence (East of US101) are in the below table:
AGENDA
ITEM
18 Wastewater
(gallons)
Build-out of Existing City 1,883,000
Vista Lucia (SOI) 790,100
Puente Del Monte (SOI) 611,500
D’Arrigo and Remainder of SOI 315,400
Total = 3,600,000
Staff provided a comprehensive report and presentation to the City Council at the January 4, 2021 meeting, and this report in an update on last year’s efforts on the City’s wastewater system.
REVIEW & ANALYSIS
A summary of last year’s projects and efforts to improve the operation of the city’s wastewater system and to expand the system includes:
1. Dudek Consulting completed the design of the Industrial Wastewater Pipeline and Treatment Facility. Dudek also completed the EIR for the project that was certified by the Planning Commission at their September 9, 2021 meeting. Staff applied for project funding through the State Revolving Fund Program from the State Water Resources Control Board.
2. Construction to rehabilitate the lift station at the WWTP was completed on June 11, 2021 (two weeks ahead of the projected completion date). This $500,000 construction contract was a major upgrade of the lift station (removed and replaced the existing pump system and controller including piping, valves, appurtenances, and motor control center and integrate new equipment into City’s SCADA system).
3. Operated a Nano Aeration Pilot Program at the WWTP during May and June 2021. Nano Aeration is an emerging technology that provides an improved aeration process using less energy than the traditional systems.
4. Begin a Conveyance System Capital Improvement Program to analyze the existing sewer collection system and determine the improvements needed to serve the Vista Lucia and Puente del Monte developments and other properties in the City’s Sphere of Influence.
5. Began developing a Sewer Pretreatment Program for industrial dischargers. The consultant recently submitted a draft Sewer Use Ordinance that updates Chapter 10.16 of the Municipal Code and provides legal authority for the City to implement a pretreatment program to regulate industrial wastewater dischargers. The consultant is also updating the Local Limits Sampling Plan.
The expected work plan for this calendar year is:
1. Industrial Wastewater Pipeline and Treatment Facility a. Complete the loan application under the State Revolving Fund Program with the State Water Resources Control Board
b. Apply for Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board Waste Discharge Permit c. Begin construction of the Industrial Wastewater Pipeline after obtaining the temporary and permanent easements
d. Issue the Industrial Treatment Facility for public bid upon receiving funds under the State Revolving Fund Program
2. Existing Wastewater Treatment Plant
a. Negotiate new Waste Discharge Permit for existing WWTP with Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board
b. Install additional ground water monitoring wells
3. Undertake a Rate Study for the Wastewater, Industrial Wastewater and Water Systems.
4. Begin an assessment of the current Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System and develop a multi-year program to improve staff’s ability to remotely monitor and operate the sewer and water systems.
5. Conduct a sewer collection system and lift station assessment to identify updates for the capital improvement program.
6. Complete Preliminary Design of Pipeline Improvements for Vista Lucia and Puente del Monte developments and other properties in the City’s Sphere of Influence.
Staff will provide a presentation on last year’s accomplishments and the work plan for 2022 at the Council meeting.
How Recommendation Supports the Vision
Gonzales will continue to be a safe, clean, family-friendly community, diverse in its heritage, and committed to working collaboratively to preserve and retain its small-town charm.
Explain: Upgrading and Expanding the City’s wastewater system is essential to meeting the City’s commitment of protecting public health and providing for residential and industrial growth.
Explain how the Recommendation Directly Implements the Mission The City Council and Staff of the City of Gonzales will realize our Vision by providing the leadership, commitment and resources necessary to provide excellent services that enhance the quality of life of our diverse community. X Yes ____ No____ N/A
Explain: Improving and expanding the wastewater system enhances the community’s quality of life by providing for treatment and safe disposal of the City’s wastewater.
City services will be delivered in a cost-effective, respectful and friendly manner to insure the safety and well-being of the residents and the promotion of business, recreational, housing and employment opportunities in an environmentally sustainable manner. X Yes ____No ____ N/A Explain: See Vision explanation above.
Strong fiscal policies allow us to provide appropriate infrastructure for:
• Public Safety X Yes No N/A
• Housing X Yes No N/A
• Recreation X Yes No N/A
• Environment X Yes No N/A
• Education X Yes No N/A
Explain: See Vision explanation above.
ALTERNATIVES
Amend or modify staff recommendation.
BUDGET IMPACT
There is no budget impact to this evening’s presentation.
CONCLUSIONS
Receive a presentation from City staff on efforts to rehabilitate, upgrade and increase the capacity of the City’s Wastewater System to serve the City’s current needs and expected Residential and Industrial Development.