City of Gonzales
PUBLIC WORKS / CITY ENGINEER DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: March 4, 2024
FROM: Patrick Dobbins, Public Works Director/City Engineer THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Progress Report on the WWTP Emergency Repair Work
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council receive this progress report on the Emergency Repairs at the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant
BACKGROUND
In mid-January, City Public Works staff observed that the percolation of treated wastewater in the three disposal fields had slowed. The on-site groundwater monitoring wells indicate a higher water table because of last winter and this winter’s rainfall. The heavy rainfall over the several weeks exacerbated the situation due to additional water entering the wastewater system from inflow and infiltration.
Groundwater (infiltration) seeps into sewer pipes through holes, cracks, joint failures, and faulty connections. Stormwater (inflow) flows into sewers via roof drain downspouts, storm drain crossconnections, and through holes in manhole covers.
Based on staff’s recommendation, the City Council authorized spending $250,000 to perform emergency work at the wastewater treatment plant at the February 5, 2024 meeting.
REVIEW & ANALYSIS
The work over the last two weeks at the WWTP disposal fields included:
• Run pumps and pipeline to discharge treated wastewater from Disposal Field C to the emergency pond.
• Staff pumped water out of Field A into Field B to dry out and rip Field A. • Swift Tectonics worked on the back of Field B and A to raise the levees AGENDA
ITEM
8 • Swift Tectonics began grading work on the exterior levee for Field A. • Swift Tectonics did not work during the recent rainy days, but they were able to begin ripping Field A on Monday February 26, 2024.
• Staff will be removing and returning the Rain 4 Rent pipeline and pump on March 6.
Swift Tectonics will continue to grade and rip the Disposal Fields over the next several weeks. We are planning to wrap up this repair work by the end of March. The below table has the Cost to Date and Estimated Total cost for this effort:
Costs to Date Estimated
Future Costs
Swift Tectonics
(Grading Contractor) $26,142.32 $20,000.00
Rain for Rent
(Rental of pipe and pumps) $16,524.16 $6,000.00
Polaris Consulting
(City surveyor) $4,225.00 $4,500.00
Total = $46,891.48 $30,500.00
Expected Grand Total = $77,391.48
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: This emergency work supports our vision by making improvements to the Wastewater Treatment Plant’s ability to safely contain and treat sewage.
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: Maintaining and improving the Wastewater Treatment Plant 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 ensure 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 above.
ALTERNATIVES
There are no alternatives to performing this emergency work.
BUDGET IMPACT
At the February 5, 2024 City Council meeting, staff was authorized to spend up to $250,000 on Emergency repairs at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. This contract is funded with Sewer Impact funds.
CONCLUSIONS
It is recommended that the City Council receive this progress report on the Emergency Repairs at the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant