REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
December 2, 2021
FROM: MICHAEL CARBAJAL, Director
Department of Public Utilities
BY: BROCK D. BUCHE, PE, PLS, Assistant Director - UP&E
Department of Public Utilities - Utilities Planning & Engineering
SAMUEL NADORES, Professional Engineer
Department of Public Utilities - Utilities Planning & Engineering
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to the waste gas flare at the Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility (Bid File No. 3750) (District 3):
1. Award a construction contract to W.M. Lyles Co., in the amount of $6,395,900 for construction of Waste Gas Flare Improvements
2. Approve the Second Amendment to the consultant services agreement with Carollo Engineers, Inc., to extend the term of the contract from March 31, 2022, to January 31, 2023, for professional engineering services during construction (no additional dollars)
Body
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that City Council award a construction contract to W.M. Lyles Co., in the amount of $6,395,900, for construction of Waste Gas Flare Site Improvements at the City’s Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility (Project); approve the Second Amendment to the consultant services agreement with Carollo Engineers, Inc., to extend the term of the contract for the Project from March 31, 2022 to January 31, 2023, so professional engineering support services may continue during construction; and authorize the Director of Public Utilities, or designee, to sign and execute all documents on behalf of the City of Fresno (City).
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In order to meet San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (Air District) permit requirements, the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) - Wastewater Management Division (WMD) is seeking award of a construction contract for the Project in the amount of $6,395,900, to W.M. Lyles Co. Due to an increase of waste gas production at the RWRF it has become necessary to install larger capacity flare units to burn the excess gas and meet regulatory requirements. Construction and installation of these new flare units will increase operational capacities and maintain facility compliance with Air Pollution Control District requirements.
BACKGROUND
The City’s Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility (RWRF) is a continuously operated secondary treatment facility that handles over 68 million gallons of raw sewage effluent daily. In the treatment of wastewater, the organic solid treatment that occurs during the digestion process results in the production of biogas. Excess waste gas is burned in an existing on-site waste gas flare unit. The RWRF had previously been able to utilize a 1,100 standard cubic feet per minute (SCFM) flare to burn excess waste gas generated from the digester units, but in 2017 gas volume exceeded the flare’s burn capacity so a temporary rental flare was placed into service.
The Federal Government provides for the regulation of air pollution and delegates authority to the Air District, to set and administer conditions regarding air pollution generators. While the RWRF currently generates more than 1,100 SCFM of waste gas, the new Waste Gas Flares is designed and sized to burn up to 3,200 SCFM of waste gas, which will meet projected demands and regulatory requirements through year 2030. The existing flare will continue to be maintained as an emergency backup unit, should one on the new flares become in-operable.
In August of 2018, an RFQ advertisement was posted on the City’s Planet Bids website for Project design services and Carollo Engineers, Inc., was subsequently awarded the design contract. Approval of the Second Amendment to the Consultant Services Agreement will ensure Consultant engineering services are provided throughout the construction period.
The WMD solicited contractor services for construction of the Waste Gas Flare Site Improvements through the City’s established bidding process. A notice inviting bids was published in the Business Journal and posted on the City’s website on August 20, 2021. Project plans and specifications were distributed to 28 prospective bidders and 12 Building Exchanges. One bid proposal was received and unsealed in a public opening on October 12, 2021.
W.M. Lyles Co. submitted a bid price in the amount of $6,395,900 and is the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The Staff Determination of Award was posted on the City of Fresno website on November 10, 2021. The price submitted is 1.4% below the Engineer’s Estimate of $6,488,000.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
On September 2, 2021, the City Council adopted Environmental Assessment No. P20-00072, an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) dated May 25, 2021, for the Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility Waste Gas Flare Project; pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Notice of Determination for the MND was filed with State Clearinghouse on October 28, 2021. Based upon these findings, it has been determined that no further environmental documentation is required for this Project.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not implemented as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder is a local business.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no impact to the General Fund. This Project is in Council District 3. Funds for the construction of the Waste Gas Flare improvements are included in Wastewater Division’s Fiscal Year 2022 Capital Improvement Program budget within the Wastewater Enterprise Fund 40501.
Attachments:
Attachment 1 - Evaluation of Bid Proposals
Attachment 2 - Fiscal Impact Statement
Attachment 3 - Sample Contract
Attachment 4 - Vicinity Map
Attachment 5 - Second Amendment
Attachment 6 - First Amendment
Attachment 7 - Consultant Services Agreement - Carollo