CITY OF SAN MATEO
RESOLUTION NO. ____ (2026)
APPROVING THE SELECTION OF NETZSCH BRAND POLYMER INJECTION RINGS AND PUMPS FOR THE
POLYMER INJECTION SYSTEM PROJECT
WHEREAS, the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) is an aging facility, and the Clean Water Program (CWP) includes a variety of capital improvement projects to rehabilitate and upgrade the existing WWTP facilities; and
WHEREAS, the Polymer Injection System Project (Project) will install polymer injection rings downstream of the existing sludge cake pumps to enhance pumping efficiency, reduce friction losses, and support long-term operational performance; and
WHEREAS, the Project also includes pumps associated with the Polymer Injection System, and specifying Netzsch pumps will allow the new pumps to match the WWTP’s existing Netzsch cake pumping equipment, support compatibility with the Netzsch polymer injection rings, and maintain consistent spare parts and maintenance practices; and
WHEREAS, the City’s design consultant, Kennedy/Jenks Consultants, Inc., conducted a technical evaluation of available polymer injection ring manufacturers and determined that Netzsch is the only manufacturer that produces polymer injection rings specifically designed and rated for high-pressure downstream installation (>350 psi), which is required for the City’s existing sludge cake pumping system; and
WHEREAS, other manufacturers only produce polymer injection rings for low-pressure upstream applications (<50 psi) and do not offer products suitable for the City’s high-pressure operating environment; and
WHEREAS, the WWTP’s existing cake pumps are manufactured by Netzsch, and specifying Netzsch polymer injection rings ensures compatibility with existing equipment, preserves warranties, and maintains operational continuity; and
WHEREAS, specifying single brand name products in formal bidding is allowable pursuant to Public Contract Code Section 3400(c) upon a finding by City Council under certain circumstances; and WHEREAS, specifying Netzsch brand polymer injection rings and pumps is in the best interest of the City to ensure reliable performance, minimize operational risk, and avoid delays associated with unsuitable or incompatible equipment.
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5 NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN MATEO, CALIFORNIA, HEREBY RESOLVES that:
1. The Council action approving this agreement is categorically exempt from CEQA review as an “existing facility,” in that 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.)
2. Pursuant to Public Contract Code Section 3400(c)(2), the City Council finds specifying Netzsch polymer injection rings and pumps for the Polymer Injection System Project is necessary to match other products already in use at the WWTP because:
a. The WWTP’s existing cake pumps are manufactured by Netzsch; b. The polymer injection rings will be installed in connection with the existing Netzsch cake pump system and must be compatible with the existing pump equipment and operating pressures; and
c. The pumps associated with the Polymer Injection System should match the WWTP’s existing Netzsch cake pumping equipment to support compatibility with the Netzsch polymer injection rings, maintain consistent spare parts and maintenance practices, and reduce operational risks associated with mismatched components.
3. Pursuant to Public Contract Code Section 3400(c)(3), the City Council finds and determines that specifying Netzsch polymer injection rings for the Polymer Injection System Project is necessary because the required item is only available from one source, based on the following:
a. The City’s project designer conducted a review of polymer injection ring products currently available on the market;
b. The designer found that Netzsch is the only manufacturer that produces polymer injection rings suitable for high-pressure downstream installation greater than 350 psi;
c. Other manufacturers’ products are limited to low-pressure applications and are not suitable for the City’s required operating conditions; and d. Non-Netzsch products are not designed, tested, or warranted for the City’s required high-pressure downstream application, which could result in equipment failure, operational inefficiencies, or construction delays.
4. For the above reasons, specifying Netzsch brand polymer injection rings and pumps for the Polymer Injection System Project in the bidding documents is approved.
5. The Public Works Director is authorized to take all actions necessary to effectuate this resolution.