CITY OF SAN MATEO
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CITY OF SAN MATEO
Agenda Report
City Hall
330 W. 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
www.cityofsanmateo.org
Agenda Number: 3 Section Name: CONSENT CALENDAR Account Number: 72-4671 File ID: 26-11362 TO: City Council
FROM: Alex Khojikian, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Public Works Department
MEETING DATE: August 17, 2026
SUBJECT:
Polymer Injection System Procurement — Adoption
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a Resolution authorizing the selection of Netzsch brand polymer injection rings and pumps for the Polymer Injection System Project.
BACKGROUND:
The City is currently under a Regional Water Quality Control Board Cease-and-Desist Order requiring improvements to its sewer collection system and Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) to eliminate sanitary sewer overflows and unauthorized discharges of untreated or partially treated wastewater to San Francisco Bay. The Clean Water Program (CWP) includes several capital improvements that are currently under construction and intended to comply with the Cease-and-Desist Order.
As part of the CWP, the City has identified essential capital improvements required to sustain and enhance the reliability, performance, and safety of the WWTP. One of these projects is the Polymer Injection System Project (Project) which is intended to improve the performance and reliability of the sludge cake pumping system at the WWTP. The Project is currently in the design phase with Kennedy/Jenks Consultants, Inc. (Kennedy Jenks).
The WWTP currently utilizes Netzsch brand progressive cavity cake pumps, which can experience discharge pressures exceeding 350 pounds per square inch (psi) during sludge conveyance. To reduce back pressure, improve pump efficiency, and stabilize flow, the Project includes installation of polymer injection rings downstream of the cake pumps. These rings introduce polymer into the high-pressure sludge stream to reduce friction losses and improve pump performance. The polymer injection rings will be installed directly downstream of the existing Netzsch cake pumps. For this reason, the injection rings must be compatible with the existing pump system and rated for the required pressure.
The Project also includes installation of polymer pumps associated with the Polymer Injection System. Specifying Netzsch brand pumps will match the WWTP’s existing Netzsch cake pumping equipment, support compatibility with the Netzsch polymer injection rings, and reduce operational risks with mismatched components.
Kennedy Jenks has conducted a review of polymer injection ring products currently available on the market. Their findings indicate:
Netzsch is the only manufacturer that advertises polymer injection rings specifically designed and rated for high- pressure downstream installation (>350 psi) in cake pump applications. Other manufacturers offer polymer injection rings only for low pressure applications (<50 psi), typically upstream of thickening or dewatering equipment.
Non-Netzsch brand products are designed for sludge conditioning and not for reducing backpressure in high-
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pressure pumping zones. These other products are not engineered, tested, or warranted for the City’s required operating conditions.
Pursuant to Public Contract Code Section 3400, the City may not generally specify single brand names in its formal bidding process unless it includes “or equal” designations. However, this prohibition does not apply upon a finding by the City Council of one of the following circumstances specified in Section 3400(c). Circumstances which allow for the City to specify the use of a single brand include the following:
Pursuant to Public Contract Code Section 3400(c)(2), the City may specify a brand in order to match other products in use on a particular public improvement either completed or in the course of completion. oJustification: The WWTP’s existing cake pumps are manufactured by Netzsch. Specifying Netzsch polymer injection rings and pumps ensure compatibility with the existing pump and operating pressures, preservation of pump warranties, consistent maintenance and spare parts practices, and mitigation of operational risks associated with mismatched components. Netzsch pumps are also justified because they match existing Netzsch equipment already in use at the WWTP and support compatibility with the Netzsch polymer injection rings being specified for the Project. Pursuant to Public Contract Code Section 3400(c)(3), the City may specify a brand in order to obtain a necessary item that is only available from one source.
oJustification: Netzsch is the only manufacturer offering a polymer injection ring designed for high-pressure discharge, therefore, the polymer injection ring qualifies as a necessary item only available from a single source.
Based on the above, both City staff and Kennedy Jenks recommend Netzsch brand polymer injection rings and pumps to be used for the Project, as allowed by Public Contract Code Sections 3400(c)(2) and 3400(c)(3) to maintain continuity with the existing cake pump equipment. Given the critical role these pumps play in solids handling, standardizing this equipment brand is essential to ensure operational compatibility and long-term reliability. This approach is the most beneficial and effective for both the City and the WWTP, as no other manufacturer offers a product suitable for the required high-pressure conditions the WWTP is currently experiencing with its cake pumps. Staff recommends approval of the attached Resolution with findings that a single brand Netzsch polymer rings are necessary for the Project.
BUDGET IMPACT:
The cost of the Netzsch polymer injection rings and pumps will be included in the construction contract for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Polymer Injection Project (46T191). No additional appropriation is required for the project budget.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION:
This City Council action is categorically exempt from CEQA as an “existing facility,” because it consists of the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use. (CEQA Guidelines Section 15301).
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This staff report supports the Infrastructure Initiative.
NOTICE PROVIDED
All meeting noticing requirements were met.
ATTACHMENTS
Att 1 – Proposed Resolution
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STAFF CONTACT
Jennifer Lam, Project Manager II
[email protected]
(650) 522-7281
Thomas W. Williams, Engineering Manager
[email protected]
(650) 522-7307
James O'Connell, Deputy Director of Public Works
[email protected]
(650) 522-7304