Wastewater Treatment Plant No. 3 (WWTP 3) has two septage receiving units manufactured by Huber Technology, Inc. (Huber), one of which, is inoperable and beyond repair. The current units have been in continuous operation since 2010 and have been repaired multiple times. These units use a rotating rake system which easily gets bound, causing the units to over torque and fault. This results in unwanted debris moving past the units, constant staff monitoring, and an impact to the treatment process. The RoFAS unit receives and processes septage without the use of a rake system, therefore improving the capture of debris, minimizing wear and tear, and minimizing staff time needed to operate it. The RoFAS unit was selected by staff after extensive research and comparison of comparable units and determining that it is most suitable to process the type and volume of septage received at WWTP 3. In addition, the RoFAS unit seamlessly ties into the existing Portalogic system used for the management of authorized septage haulers.
The City contacted Huber, the sole source provider of the RoFAS septage receiving unit in the City’s geographical area and has received a quote for the required replacement unit and start-up services. Given the critical nature of the septage processing units to the operation of the treatment system, staff recommends dispensing with bidding procedures and authorizing the purchase of the required replacement equipment.
This purchase is part of the Septage Processing Unit Upgrade Project, which was approved as part of the FY 22/23 Public Works CIP budget. The work to remove the existing septage receiving unit and install the new unit will be put out to bid in the near future. The bid documents are currently being developed by a consultant contracted by the City. By purchasing the new septage unit now, the City avoids paying a contractor mark-up fees and it will expedite the time in which the new unit will arrive on site.
Sufficient funds are budgeted to fund this resolution within the Sewer Enterprise Funds; therefore, there is no impact to the General Fund.