COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Shad S. Springer, Director of Utilities
DATE: February 3, 2026
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Agreement with Black and Veatch Corporation for Wastewater Master Plan Peer Review Services
Description:
The City Council will consider adopting a Resolution authorizing an agreement with Black and Veatch Corporation for Wastewater Master Plan Peer Review Services.
Environmental Notice: The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Adopt a Resolution approving an agreement with Black and Veatch Corporation for Wastewater Master Plan Review Services; and
2. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the agreement.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Santa Maria (City) owns and operates a Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) located at 601 South Black Road, serving a population of more than 110,000. The WWTP treats domestic, commercial, and industrial wastewater using primary clarifiers, trick ling filters, and secondary clarifiers. Treated effluent is discharged to percolation ponds under a permit issued by the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (Regional Board).
In 2020, the Regional Board adopted General Waste Discharge Requi rements establishing more stringent effluent limits for Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Total Suspended Solids, and Total Nitrogen. The City cannot meet these new requirements with its existing treatment processes without significant facility upgrades and a change in the treatment regime at the WWTP.
The City contracted with Carollo Engineers to assist in developing a pathway to regulatory compliance for the WWTP. Services include overall program management and development of a Time Schedule Compliance Plan out lining actions and milestones required to meet regulatory requirements. Carollo Engineers has also prepared a Wastewater Master Plan, with input and review from City staff, that provides a 35 -year 2 roadmap addressing facility needs, capital improvements, op erational strategies, regulatory compliance, and future growth.
Given the magnitude, cost, and complexity of the improvements anticipated, City staff determined it prudent to obtain an independent peer review of the draft Wastewater Master Plan. The peer review will verify that the Plan is technically sound, complete, and meets industry best practices prior to finalization and implementation.
DISCUSSION:
On June 2, 2025, the City issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to select a qualified firm to conduct a peer review of the draft Wastewater Master Plan. The scope of services will include a kickoff meeting with City staff and Carollo Engineers, review of the draft Wastewater Master Plan, development of initial findings and recommendations, participation in a collaborative workshop, and preparation of a final written peer review report within approximately twelve weeks.
Three submittals were received by the RFQ deadline. A selection committee evaluated each firm based on qualifications, relevant experience, technical expertise, and proposed peer review approach. Based on this evaluation, Black and Veatch Corporation, with HDR, Inc. as a subconsultant, was determined to be the most qualified team to provide the required peer review services. Black and Veatch Corporation and HDR, Inc. demonstrated extensive experience in wastewater master planning, peer reviews, regulatory compliance, and capital improvement planning for medium to large -scale wastewater treatment facilities.
City Staff negotiated the terms of an agreement for scope and fee (Attachment B) for the project based on the City’s needs.
Alternative(s)
The City Council may:
1) Decline to authorize the agreement and d irect City staff to reject the scope and fee. This is not recommended, as an independent peer review is critical to ensuring the Wastewater Master Plan supports regulatory compliance and long-term system needs.
2) Decline to authorize the agreement and d irect City staff to reissue the RFQ. This will delay the project timeline and it is not necessary given the qualifications of the proposed team.
Awarding a contract to Black an Veatch Corporation is the most efficient way to complete the peer review professionally within the required schedule, allowing City staff and Carollo Engineers to incorporate recommendations and finalize the Wastewater Master Plan without delaying subsequent planning, budgeting, or regulatory compliance activities.
Fiscal Considerations
Funding for the peer review services is included in the approved wastewater budget. The authorized project budget of $192,023.70 is within budget and does not require additional appropriations.
3 Impact on the Community
The peer review will provide independent confirmation that the Wastewater Master Plan supports a safe, reliable, and cost -effective wastewater system for the community.
Independent evaluation promotes transparency and informed decision-making.
Impact on the City
Awarding the contract to Black and Veatch Corporation enables the City to maintain critical project timelines, supports compliance with new regulatory requirements, and strengthens long-term planning for wastewater treatment infrastructure.
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Resolution-Wastewater Master Plan Peer Review Services B. Agreement-Wastewater Master Plan Peer Review Services