Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Utilities Department

TO:	Diane Stoddard – Interim City Manager Casey Toomay – Assistant City Manager
CC:	Dave Wagner – Director of Utilities Mike Lawless – Deputy Director of Utilities Mark Hegeman – Superintendent of Operations Steven Craig – Utilities Manager / Treatment Operations
FROM:	Carolyn Woodhead – Utilities Manager / Treatment Operations
DATE:	8/26/2015
RE:	Advertise RFP B1545 for Biosolids Beneficial Re-use Program.

Project Description

The City of Lawrence Wastewater Treatment Plant processes and treats approximately 8.7 million gallons of wastewater per day. From the treatment process, approximately 9,000 cubic yards of biosolids are land applied yearly to privately owned agricultural properties.

The biosolids are in cake form (about 18 – 23 percent solids). Typically, before planting and after harvest, biosolids are hauled to the agricultural site and spread at an agronomic rate to match the field and crop nitrogen requirements. The biosolids are then incorporated into the soil. Biosolids activities are regulated by the US Environmental Protection Agency under 40 CFR Part 503. All activities must be conducted in a manner, which meets all existing regulations and requirements. In addition, given the potential for public opposition, the City has high expectations for quality work provided so that the project does not negatively affect the City’s public relations and existing relationships with area farms.

Due to the high cost and maintenance of equipment used for this activity and the specialized knowledge and understanding of the regulations and application methods, the Department has determined that contracting this activity to professionals in this area is the most cost effective means of conducting this program. Therefore, a contractor has been used for this program since it was put in place on privately owned properties in 1994.

Due to the need for a contractor that has specialized experience in this area, in the past this project has advertised a request for proposals. The specifications request a unit price included with the documentation. Past projects have been awarded on an annual basis with the option to renew allowing a price increase to reflect inflation for an additional year(s) if both parties agree.

Project Funding

The project will be funded from the Department of Utilities 2016 Operations & Maintenance fund.

Action

Authorize staff to advertise a Request for Proposals, RFP B1545, for the Biosolids Beneficial Re-use Program.