TO:Andrew P. Powers, City Manager
FROM:Clifford G. Finley, Public Works Director
DATE:June 20, 2023
SUBJECT: Biosolids Hauling and Beneficial Reuse Services RECOMMENDATION:
1. Award three-year General Services Agreement to Synagro-WWT, Inc. (Taft, CA) for an amount not to exceed $2,773,260 for Biosolids Hauling and Beneficial Reuse and authorize City Manager to extend the contract term once, for a period of two years.
2. Authorize expenditure in the amount of $923,420 for FY 2023-24 and $923,420 FY 2024-25 from A/C #621-8250-682-5691 (Biosolids Contracted Services).
3. Find that this action is not a project as defined under the California Environmental Quality Act.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
No Additional Funding Requested. $1,846,840 is included in the Adopted FY 2023-24 and FY 2024-25 budget. The remaining funds will be requested during the upcoming biennial budget process.
BACKGROUND:
The Hill Canyon Treatment Plant (HCTP) treats wastewater from the community of Thousand Oaks. Constructed in the 1960s with major improvements, HCTP provides advanced tertiary level wastewater treatment. It treats an average of eight million gallons per day of wastewater generated from domestic, commercial, and industrial sources, operating 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.
The HCTP produces approximately 14,000 wet tons of biosolids annually. During the wet season (November – April), biosolids are mechanically de-watered and hauled away at a dryness ranging from 14 to 17 percent total solids. In the dry season (May – October), after mechanical drying, the biosolids are transferred to
Biosolids Hauling and Beneficial Reuse Services
June 20, 2023
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0 on-site drying beds and further dried to 50 to 90 percent total solids. The exact amount hauled may vary substantially due to factors like weather or drying bed usage. In 2022, approximately 9,000 wet tons of biosolids were hauled.
Since 2020, Synagro-WWT, Inc. has hauled biosolids for the City under an agreement for beneficial reuse in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Organic material is converted into value-added products such as compost, aligning with California Legislation SB 1383, aiming for a 75 percent reduction in landfill organics by 2025. The existing contract with Synagro-WWT, Inc. expires on June 30, 2023.
DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:
On April 14, 2023, a formal Request for Proposals/Qualifications (RFP/Q) was publicly advertised in the Thousand Oaks Acorn newspaper and on the City’s e- procurement website for Biosolids Hauling and Beneficial Reuse. On May 10, 2023, the City received two proposals, with the following results:
Company Biosolids
End Use
Recycle
Credit
Synagro-WWT, Inc. (Taft, CA) Compost Yes
Ecology Auto Parts (Cerritos, CA) Compost Yes
In accordance with Government Code section 4526 and Thousand Oaks Municipal Code section 3-10.401, contracts for professional, management, general, or special services require firms or individuals with experience, competence, training, credentials, resources, staffing, and other qualifications ensuring excellent service.
Cost is considered but not the sole factor in contract award decisions.
Synagro-WWT, Inc. submitted a proposal meeting the City’s requirements of hauling 100 percent of biosolids for beneficial reuse. Synagro-WWT, Inc. will compost the City’s biosolids for beneficial reuse, earning full diversion credits, and has offered the lowest price per wet ton. Synagro-WWT, Inc. has provided satisfactory services aligning with the City’s commitment to protect the environment and preserve limited natural resources.
It is recommended that City Council award a three-year agreement to Synagro- WWT, Inc. for Biosolids Hauling and Beneficial Reuse (Attachment #1), not to exceed $2,773,260. Additionally, the City Manager is authorized to extend the contract term once, for a period of two years.
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0 COUNCIL GOAL COMPLIANCE:
Meets the following City Council goals:
C. Operate City government in a fiscally and managerially responsible and prudent manner to ensure that the City of Thousand Oaks remains one of California's most desirable places to live, work, visit, recreate, and raise a family.
F. Provide and enhance essential infrastructure to ensure that the goals and policies of the Thousand Oaks General Plan are carried out and the City retains its role and reputation as a leader in protecting the environment and preserving limited natural resources.
PREPARED BY: Kim Sherman, Sr. Purchasing Specialist
Attachments:
Attachment #1 – Synagro-WWT, Inc. Agreement
DPW: 290-20\ks\ev\Council\2023\062023\Biosolids Hauling and Beneficial Reuse staff report.docx