Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Utilities Department

TO:	David L. Corliss -City Manager Cynthia Wagner – Assistant City Manager             Diane Stoddard  – Assistant City Manager
FROM:	Carolyn Woodhead - Utilities Specialist
CC:	Dave Wagner – Director of Utilities Mike Lawless – Deputy Director of Utilities Mark Hegeman – Superintendent of Operations Lance Bauman – Field Supervisor
DATE:	9/16/2013
RE:	Agenda Item – Advertise Requests for Sealed Bid B1349 for Biosolids Beneficial Re-use Program.

Please include the following item on the City Commission Agenda for consideration at the September 24, 2013 meeting:

Authorize staff to advertise Request for Sealed Bid B1349 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 – 22 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 activites 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. Also, given the potential for public oppostition, the City has had high expectations for quality of 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, this project has been advertised as a request for proposals. The specifications also request a unit price included with the documentation. Past projects have been awarded on an annual basis with the option to renew for an additional year if both parties agree.

Project Funding. 

The 2014 operations and maintenance budget has allocated $125,000 for the biosolids transport and land application program.

Action Request.

Authorize staff to advertise Request for Sealed Bid B1349 for Biosolids Beneficial Re-use Program.

Thank you for your assistance. Please advise if you have any questions.