City of Gonzales
PUBLIC WORKS / CITY ENGINEER DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: November 4, 2024
FROM: Patrick Dobbins, Public Works Director/City Engineer THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution No. 2024-65 Agreement with Earth Systems for Industrial Wastewater Soil and Groundwater Sampling Analysis
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council Adopt Resolution No. 2024-65, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Authorizing Execution of a Professional Services Agreement with Earth Systems for Soil and Groundwater Sampling and Related Laboratory Analysis for the Industrial Wastewater Treatment Facility in the Amount of $55,000.
BACKGROUND
Phase 1 of the Industrial Wastewater (IW) System will increase the capacity of the City’s wastewater system by 1.0 million gallons/day. The IW System will be delivered through the following construction contracts:
• IW Pipeline contract
• IW Treatment Facility contract
The CEQA-Plus EIR for the IW System was approved at the September 20, 2022 City Council meeting.
The EIR includes a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program that must be complied with prior to and during construction of the IW Pipeline and IW Treatment Facility. The Mitigation and Monitoring Program includes the following subsurface investigation that must be performed prior to construction:
• MM-HAZ-1: Subsurface Investigation - Prior to construction, a subsurface investigation shall be performed to determine if there are impacts to soil, soil vapor, and groundwater at the project site and if the potential impacts would result in human health risks. Soils will be sampled and analyzed for pesticide- and herbicide-related contaminants. In addition, soils, groundwater, and AGENDA
ITEM
8 soil vapor will be sampled and analyzed for contaminants of concern associated with the upgradient junkyard, including but not limited to petroleum hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds. In accordance with City of Gonzales Plan HS 5.1.6, the results of the investigation will be submitted to the City of Gonzales as part of the project plan review, along with measures necessary to mitigate any environmental hazards to a less-than-significant level. Recommended mitigation shall be implemented prior to construction and operation of the proposed project.
Dudek (Design Consultant) is finalizing the construction documents for the IW Treatment Facility (IWTF) and the project’s CEQA-Plus EIR requires that MM-HAZ-01 (above mentioned subsurface investigation) be completed prior to construction of the IWTF.
REVIEW & ANALYSIS
On September 3, 2024, staff issued a Request for Proposals to consultants for Soil and Groundwater Sampling for the Industrial Wastewater Treatment Facility. On October 25, 2024, proposals were received from the following two firms.
1. Earth Systems, Salinas CA
2. Pacific Crest Engineering, Watsonville CA
The scope of work includes:
• Obtain Subsurface Soil Samples. The soil samples will be tested for petroleum hydrocarbons (gasoline, diesel and oil) and any soil vapors.
• Perform Groundwater sampling. The laboratory analysis for the groundwater samples includes testing for total petroleum hydrocarbons such as gasoline, diesel, oil and volatile organic compounds.
• Summarize the details on the sampling and laboratory results in a report. The report will be provided to the County of Monterey Environmental Health Department as necessary.
Both proposals provided all the services outlined in the City’s RFP. Earth Systems fee estimate was lower than Pacific Crest Engineering estimated fee. Staff recommends that Earth Systems be selected for this work based on their detailed scope of work, lower estimated fee and an expected timeframe of six weeks to complete the work.
Earth Systems’ estimated fee is $49,100 and staff recommends adding a contingency budget of $5,100 for unforeseen changes for a total authorization of $55,000.
Therefore, staff recommends that the City Council Adopt Resolution No. 2024-65 approving the execution of a Consulting Services Agreement with Earth Systems to provide Soil and Groundwater Sampling for the Industrial Wastewater Treatment Facility in the amount of $55,000.
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 project supports our vision by making improvements to the wastewater system to increase its capacity for residential and industrial developments.
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 Yes X No N/A
• Housing X Yes No N/A
• Recreation Yes X No N/A
• Environment X Yes No N/A
• Education Yes X No N/A
Explain: See Vision above.
ALTERNATIVES
• Amend or modify staff’s recommendation.
• Seek additional proposals.
BUDGET IMPACT
This contract will be funded with the Sewer Rates and Sewer Impact funds.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends that the City Council Adopt Resolution No. 2024-65, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Authorizing Execution of a Professional Services Agreement with Earth Systems for Soil and Groundwater Sampling and Related Laboratory Analysis for the Industrial Wastewater Treatment Facility in the Amount of $55,000.
Attachments:
1. Resolution- No. 2024-65
2. Agreement with Earth Systems for Soil and Groundwater Sampling for the IWTF